Emily & her mascot Poofy!

Since Poofy was created in 2024 at OCAD University, it wasn’t long before she became a significant element in my life and how she expresses growing up without inclusion or representation.

Spending years in a hearing family and in a mainstream world without a clear idea of understanding how to feel comfortable or take up space that wasn’t built for me.

Since creating Poofy, a need emerged to make future generations seen and understood — to never feel left behind ever again.

With this platform, Poofy and I will work together to create a space for Deaf and Disabled individuals, for them to feel seen, empowered, teach and make themselves aware and celebrated.

To take up space authentically and show what it means to live in an inclusive world.