Hans Dupuis

Age: 27
Occupation: Air Canada employee

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

I completed high school in 2011 and went to CEGEP until 2016, but didn’t complete it. I’ve had several small jobs but my goal was to get a job as an librarian’s assistant in a local Montreal library. I signed up to Action Main-d’œuvre, an organisation that helps people ‘with differences’ find employment and with their help, I got a position at Air Canada. I’ve been working there since 2017.

I’ve also been a mentor at Action Main-d’œuvre Worktopia workshops, a program that helps people with autism get ready for the workforce.

WHAT ARE YOUR PASSIONS, INTERESTS, AND HOBBIES?

In my free time, I read a lot of manga and graphic novels. I also play video games on the computer with a friend. I like playing Dungeon and Dragon with a group of friends, and also enjoy live-action role playing (LARP). I enjoy going to the movies with my girlfriend. I like doing Cosplay at conventions. I also take medieval fencing lessons and have done Kendo in the past, a type of Japanese fencing.

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

I also love learning foreign languages; I studied Spanish and German in CEGEP, and am learning some Russian at home. I strive to one day add Japanese to this listing since Japan fascinates me. I dream of going there one day! 

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

I have pervasive developmental disorder (mild Asperger syndrome), now called Autism Spectrum Disorder, with a mild attention deficit. During my school years, I’ve always received help, from grade school to CEGEP.

WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES FOR THE NATIONAL YOUTH ADVISORY PANEL?

I don’t have specific ambitions but I want to help others with brain-based disabilities or autism, in any way I can, and hope to learn from this team along the way also.