A-List 2009: Sarah Empey

Who: Sarah Empey

What: Film director, volunteer board member and motivational speaker for the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB).

Why she’s on the A-List: Has delivered more than 500 speeches to raise awareness about rights for people with disabilities, directs short films on the subject and advises the City of Calgary on improving accessibility in buildings and public spaces.

Sarah Empey’s life is defined by ability, not disability. It’s not immediately obvious that the 34-year-old is blind; she has a lot of energy and moves with graceful ease around her home. Her white cane sits by the corner closet.

Empey was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes at the age of three. By the time she was 25, high blood pressure had caused her retinas to detach and she lost her sight. Eight eye operations later, she now lives with low vision and is considered legally blind.

“Her personal story is not one about losing things in life, but about gaining valuable perspectives,” says friend and colleague Cathy McFee, director of services and operations at CNIB.

Empey says there’s always a feeling about wanting to give back to the community. “Because I live with this,” she says, “I can go out to the public on behalf of CNIB and use that name to make changes and speak up for the rights of those with disabilities.”

Now one of the CNIB’s speakers for public education campaigns, delivering speeches at fundraisers, schools and corporate functions, Empey uses her wit, humour and inspirational insights to challenge her audience’s set perceptions. She says most people are afraid to laugh at someone with a disability, but she often uses that to break the ice.

“I think the best thing to be when you’re a public speaker is honest,” Empey says. “There’s nothing in a speech I will hide and no question I won’t answer. The more we talk about our own situations, the stronger we become not only as individuals but as communities, too.”

Although Empey keeps busy as CNIB’s Alberta-Northwest Territories board member and sits on a review committee that helps clients apply for expensive adaptable equipment, the extent of her community work goes beyond vision loss. Her commitment to supporting and showcasing the range of abilities of those
with disabilities is most evident in her work with MoMo Dance Theatre and the Calgary SCOPE Society.

Last month, Empey directed the video featured in MoMo’s Crossing the Line production. She is also part of a committee that makes recommendations to the City for more accessible public spaces and buildings.

Through it all, Empey continues to centre on what she has, rather than what she lacks, and she encourages others to do the same.

“I’m more an advocate than an activist, but sometimes you need to be both to get things done,” she says.

What Can You Do?
Work one-on-one with CNIB clients to help with daily errands such as groceries and reading mail. Or attend the Visions Luncheon, an annual fundraiser held every April. Call 403-266-8831 or visit cnib.ca.

Take part in Calgary SCOPE Society’s outreach programs and community development programs by calling 403-509-0200 or visiting calgscope.org.

Visit momodancetheatre.org for dates of upcoming shows and workshops.

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