Danny's Story

Danny was a dedicated student with a passion for learning, but an even greater love for polar bears. In his second year of university, he was enrolled in courses in biology, family social science, and human ecology through the Campus Life program. As a student with Down syndrome, he approached his studies with enthusiasm and determination.

Recognizing Danny’s deep interest in polar bears, his biology professor, Dr. Mike Shaw, and his tutor worked together to design an assignment that would align with the auditing requirements of his course. The project became an in-depth study on polar bears, covering their taxonomy, habitat, behavior, ecology, diet, and conservation status.

At the time, no one could have predicted the lasting impact of this single assignment. After successfully completing his course, Danny had the opportunity to travel to Churchill as part of an expedition, where he met others who shared his passion for polar bears. Thanks to his research, he was able to engage in meaningful discussions with fellow Arctic enthusiasts, confidently sharing his knowledge.

His achievements did not go unnoticed. As a result of this adventurous journey, along with his involvement in Special Olympics and his participation in university, Danny was presented with the Duke of Edinburgh Award by the Duke of Edinburgh himself. The Faculty of Education later highlighted his accomplishments in its newsletter, recognizing the impact of his dedication and experiences.

Beyond his love for wildlife, Danny was also deeply interested in families and children, which led him to take numerous courses in Human Ecology and Family Social Science. After completing his studies, he proudly pursued a career as an assistant at a daycare. He also secured long-term employment with the province of Manitoba, where he has held various permanent part-time positions for over 18 years. His accomplishments extended beyond his professional success—he became one of the first official graduates of the Campus Life program and one of the first students with an intellectual disability to convocate, marking a milestone in the program’s history.