What If the Labels We Put on Ourselves Aren’t True? Meet Alvin Law at the Empowering Edmonton Breakfast
- Leah Ison
- 5 minutes ago
- 3 min read
What do you see when you look at a challenge?
A limitation? A roadblock? A reason to stop?
Or could it be an opportunity to see what is possible?
This September, we’re inviting Edmonton to start the morning with good food, great conversation and a speaker who has spent his life challenging the way people think about limitations.
Meet Alvin Law, our keynote speaker at the Empowering Edmonton Breakfast on September 15.
Born without arms as a result of thalidomide exposure, Alvin grew up learning to do things differently. He learned to use his feet for everyday tasks, became a musician, worked in radio and went on to build an international career as a keynote speaker. Since 1981, he has spoken to more than two million people across five continents.
But Alvin's story isn't simply about what he has accomplished without arms.
It's about what happens when we stop allowing other people—or ourselves—to decide what is possible.
More Than an Inspirational Story
Alvin speaks openly about the labels people have placed on him throughout his life, including labels like “disabled” and “victim.” His message challenges us to look beyond the assumptions we make about ourselves and others.
And that message fits perfectly with what the Empowering Edmonton Breakfast is all about.
At CP Alberta, we believe an inclusive community isn't created simply by removing physical barriers. It's created when we challenge assumptions, create opportunities and make sure people with disabilities are able to participate, belong and thrive in their communities.
Alvin brings that message to life in a way that is personal, funny, thought-provoking and unforgettable.
Why You Should Be in the Room
You don't need to work in the disability sector to get something out of Alvin's story.
You don't need to be an advocate.
You don't even need to have a specific challenge you're trying to overcome.
You just need to be willing to look at things differently.
Alvin's story asks us to consider:
What assumptions are we making about ourselves?
What assumptions are we making about other people?
How often do we decide something isn't possible before we've even explored the possibility?
What could change if we focused less on limitations and more on opportunities?
Those are questions that matter in our workplaces, our families, our communities—and in the work of building a more inclusive Edmonton.
Start Your Morning With a Little Inspiration
And, of course, no great morning starts without breakfast.
Guests at the Empowering Edmonton Breakfast will enjoy a warm breakfast buffet, a mimosa toast, opportunities to connect with fellow community members and professionals, and Alvin's keynote presentation.
More importantly, you'll leave with something to think about.
Maybe you'll see a challenge differently.
Maybe you'll question an assumption.
Maybe you'll walk away reminded that the person sitting across from you has possibilities you can't see—and that the same may be true for you.
Join us September 15 for the Empowering Edmonton Breakfast and experience Alvin Law's story for yourself.
Come for the breakfast.
Stay for the conversation.
Leave inspired to see what's possible.
And while you're there, help us raise funds through our paddle fundraiser to support CP Alberta's programs and services for people with disabilities across Alberta.
Let's raise a glass, raise some funds and raise our expectations for what an inclusive Edmonton can be.
Register here: https://trellis.org/empowering-edmonton-breakfast
