Problem Statement: Research has found that loneliness is correlated with serious health risks such as heart disease, weakened immune systems and stroke. For people with intellectual disabilities who have already long experienced loneliness and social ostracization, what significant impacts might this have on their mental and physical health?

The Global Shapers Ottawa Hub reflected on this, asking "how can we empower and build confidence and life skills amongst youth with intellectual disabilities?" 

Proposed Solution: Discovery Crew is an Ottawa Hub project that connects young people with intellectual disabilities and young professionals to network, form friendships and advocate for the empowerment of people with intellectual disabilities to participate fully in their communities.

Target group: Youth under the age of 18 with intellectual disabilities. 

Activities: In 2019 and 2020, the Discovery Crew Project brought together youth under the age of 18 with intellectual disabilities, to form bonds of friendship, and build confidence. The Global Shapers Ottawa Hub, put together a series of games for participants to interact with one another including scavenger hunts, board games, and mentorship.

Short Term Goal/Results: The Ottawa Hub provided a dozen individuals with intellectual disabilities with the opportunity to befriend and meet others for two days.

Long-Term Change: The Hub helped youth with intellectual disabilities build lifelong friendships, improve social networks and practice social interaction.

Available Metrics: 

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  How many people did the project reach? 12 people
  


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  How many Shapers participated? 2 shapers