![Dean Wardak, seen from the waist up, wearing a black graphic t-shirt and smiling](https://www.womensacademics.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/313_DeanW.2fa2369f.png)
I was born on July 18, 1992 in Toronto. I have Filipino, Polish and Canadian-Indigenous heritage. I am a quadriplegic due to a Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) and Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) suffered in a motor vehicle accident. I spent a year recovering in three different hospitals after my accident.
I advocate for people living with disabilities because I experience the issues with accessibility, discrimination, social support, transportation, employment and more.
![Graphic of puzzle pieces and the title EMPaCT](https://www.womensacademics.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/empact-1-1-1024x472.jpg)