Gina

Martin

Creating accessible schools, workplaces, and communities through education, empathy, and experience.

Building inclusion through understanding.

I’m Gina Martin, founder of Diverse Abilities Programs Inc. As a blindness and disability awareness educator, my mission is to help people see disability through a new lens, one grounded in respect, understanding, and practical action.

Every program I offer is designed to make inclusion something people can confidently do, not just talk about. Whether it’s a classroom, staff team, or community event, each experience starts meaningful conversations and leaves lasting change.

Accessibility benefits everyone. We’ve all had moments when our abilities changed, whether temporary, permanent, or as part of aging. When we build environments that are accessible, we make it possible for everyone to participate and belong.

Featured Programs & Workshops

Proudly Offering Disability Awareness Practical Teaching - aDAPT

This interactive one-hour youth program gives students a hands-on understanding of disability, accessibility, and empathy. Through real conversation, tactile tools, and lived experience, Youth aDAPT helps students see how ability, kindness, and inclusion work together in everyday life.

We offer Youth aDAPT in person, for individual classrooms and school assemblies across Edmonton, Victoria, and online for schools anywhere in Canada. For Professional Development Days, I also provide workshops for teachers, educational assistants, and support staff virtually.

Bring Youth aDAPT to your school or help sponsor a classroom by reaching out today.

Sponsor & Donate

Empower our youth to encourage accessible futures.

Help us reach more students!

Every Youth aDAPT session is an opportunity to change the way young people understand disability, shift towards inclusion and build accessibility from the beginning. Businesses can make a powerful difference by sponsoring a Youth aDAPT package to a school locally or at a distance. Workshops and programs are available online as well as in-person.

Book a chat with Gina at a time that works for you to discuss the options. Use the Calendly link below to see her schedule.

Thank You To Our Sponsors & Supporters

Featured Speaker & Educator

Bringing Lived Experience To Disability Awareness Practical Teaching - aDAPT

IDEAL Team Building

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, & Language

This 90-minute awareness and professional development training session helps staff teams gain confidence in communicating with and assisting people with disabilities. Participants learn respectful language, effective customer interaction, and how small changes can make any business more accessible in Edmonton and across Canada.

Proceeds from IDEAL Team Building help fund Youth aDAPT in schools and community programs. It’s a direct way to make your workplace more inclusive and create social impact.

Testimony:

"I am so appreciative to have had the opportunity to take this workshop. The information was invaluable in helping me to understand how to participate in creating a welcoming and accessible retail space as well as an inclusive work environment. I appreciated learning about the presenter's lived experience and found the workshop very positive, with practical ideas that I feel I can implement in my life, and at work. I learned a lot!"

- Katie

Keynote Speaker

Educating, Motivating, & Supporting Leaders

As a national educator and advocate, I speak at schools, conferences, and corporate events about disability awareness inclusion and accessibility. My talks are rooted in lived experience and highlight real-world strategies that make inclusion tangible and achievable.

Consider booking a keynote for your Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives, or for special awareness events such as Disability Employment Awareness Month in October or National Accessibility Week in May.

Hear it from Gina herself...

Disability can be an uncomfortable topic.

It doesn't have to be.

I can help!

Awards & Nominations

Gina Martin is highly regarded for her dedication to inclusion, diversity, & accessibility through awareness, teaching, & advocacy.

2024

WINNER

2025

WINNER

2026

WINNER

2026

NOMINEE

Podcast spotlights

Listen to Gina's story & insights into living with disabilities.

Blind Abilities

Gina Martin's Journey Toward Founding Diverse Abilities is a Testament to Resilience & Transformation

Join us on Blind Abilities as we talk with Gina Martin, founder of Diverse Abilities. Diagnosed with Progressive Cone Dystrophy in 1992, Gina's journey to embrace her blindness began in 2015. After an intensive 9-month rehabilitation at the Louisiana Center for the Blind, Gina transformed her life and career, focusing on disability awareness and empowerment. Since founding Diverse Abilities in 2019, she has delivered impactful workshops promoting inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility, and language (IDEAL). We hope you enjoy Gina's inspiring story and insights on creating more inclusive environments.

Speak Your Vision

How A True Understanding of Disability Can Change The World With Gina Martin

We sit down with Gina Martin, founder of Diverse Abilities, to delve into the world of disability awareness and inclusion. Gina shares her personal journey and professional insights on how a deeper understanding of disabilities can create a more inclusive and empathetic society. 

We discuss common misconceptions about disabilities, the challenges people with disabilities face, and the importance of fostering an inclusive mindset. Gina’s story, from overcoming personal hurdles to establishing her business, offers a powerful testament to resilience and determination. 

Whether you have a disability or not, this episode is a must-listen. It provides valuable perspectives on how we can all contribute to a more inclusive world. Tune in to learn how a true understanding of disability can indeed change the world.

News spotlights

Explore how Gina inspires & advocates for true accessibility.

"Inspiring Island Women" News Double Feature

Gina was given the spotlight twice on CHEK news as a Diverse Abilities educator who talks about the true meaning of accessibility.

Part 1:

Gina Martin spent more than 25 years pretending she wasn't blind. Now, she says, losing her sight is the best thing that ever happened, and she's made it her mission to teach others the true meaning of inclusivity and accessibility. Her company, Diverse Abilities, offers educational programming for seniors, youth, businesses, and communities.

Part 2:

A couple of weeks ago, we introduced you to Gina Martin. Gina is legally blind and launched a company called 'Diverse Abilities' to help break down barriers, while educating people on inclusion and accessibility. Her award-winning program is earning accolades across the country. Here's part two with Stacy Ross.

Featured in “Don’t Grab Us” about sight loss etiquette by senior journalist Christine Van Reeuwyk.

Being quiet and not announcing your presence to people who are blind or partially sighted can feel very unsettling - even scary, says Gina Martin of Saanich.

Gina's Google Reviews

"Thank you for sharing how my programs & speaking have impacted you!"

Connect with Gina & her community online.

Join the conversation by checking out her socials.

Chat with Gina Martin

We’d love to hear from you. Call us now at 778-533-9876 or send a message using the form below we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.