Olivia Steadman has inspired the creation of this fund through her journey living with life altering challenges and overcoming adversity with resilience, hope and the support of the Movement Centre of Manitoba.
Your gift to The Olivia Steadman Family fund will support many other people with neurological disabilities live with purpose and meaning in community. Your act of generosity embraces the value that everyone deserves to belong, to be included, and to live their best life.
This is a permanent endowment fund established by Movement Centre of Manitoba. Gifts to this fund are pooled and invested to benefit them in perpetuity. The income generated by this fund is distributed to Movement Centre of Manitoba to be used at its discretion.
About Olivia
Olivia had a stroke before she was born which impacted her brain in many areas. She lives with a visual impairment, Cerebral Palsy, an intellectual disability and had several neurosurgeries before she was one year old. It was unknown whether she would ever walk, talk or be independent in any capacity and medical interventions would be ongoing throughout her life.
Her family discovered the Movement Centre’s unique Conductive Education rehabilitation therapy when Olivia was just 5 years old. This was fortunate timing as early intervention is critical for infants and children diagnosed with profound conditions. Olivia has been a client ever since – and is supported 1-to-1 by the Centre’s staff in a unique group setting that encourages social connection and team energy. Olivia’s rehabilitation program is individualized to her ability profile and personal goals. She is coached and assisted to build and maintain her motor skills, balance and strength, as well as social emotional and self care skills.
“One day we won’t be here to care for Olivia — a reality that we worry about and need to plan for,” says parents Tim Steadman and Barbro Dick. “As a parent, you want to find every resource possible to help your child. The MC is a piece to Olivia’s lifelong rehabilitation and wellness plan. Today Olivia enjoys a full life and has the confidence to embrace new adventures and friendships.”
“Our family is beyond grateful. This endowment fund will help sustain the Movement Centre in perpetuity so that other families can be helped and be hopeful.”
Olivia inspires community and inclusion everywhere she goes, touching hearts with her uninhibited zest for life, resilience and of course her gift of song. Follow her @olivias_voice.
