Hans Dupuis

Age: 29
Occupation: Air Canada employee

WHAT ARE YOU STUDYING AND/OR WHAT ARE YOUR PROFESSIONAL AMBITIONS?

I finished high school in 2011 and went to CEGEP until 2016, but I didn’t graduate. I worked several small jobs, but my goal was to become a librarian’s assistant at a local Montreal library. I registered with Action Main-d’œuvre, an organization that helps people ‘with differences’ find employment. The advisor I met with encouraged me to apply for a job at Air Canada. I’ve been working there since 2017.

I was also a mentor for an Action Main-d’œuvre Worktopia workshop. Worktopia is an initiative that aims to help people with autism prepare for the workforce.

WHAT ARE YOUR PASSIONS, INTERESTS, AND HOBBIES?

In my free time, I read a lot of manga and graphic novels, and I play computer games with a friend. I also enjoy playing Dungeons & Dragons with a group of friends and live-action role playing (LARPing). I like going to the movies with my girlfriend and cosplaying at conventions. I also take medieval fencing lessons and have studied Kendo, a type of Japanese fencing.

I love history! I studied it in school, so I’m quite knowledgeable in this field. I have a very good memory.

I also love learning different languages. I studied Spanish and German in CEGEP and am now learning some Russian at home. I hope to one day add Japanese to my list of languages. I’m very interested in Japan and dream of travelling there someday! 

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH BRAIN-BASED DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES?

I have pervasive developmental disorder (mild Asperger syndrome), now known as autism spectrum disorder, with a mild attention deficit. Throughout my school years, from elementary school to CEGEP, I always received help.

WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES FOR THE NATIONAL YOUTH ADVOCACY COUNCIL?

I don’t have specific goals, but I’d like to help others with a brain-based developmental disability or autism spectrum disorder. I also hope to learn along the way.