Profiles

Ken H.'s Story

Ken had his fair share of challenges growing up. He was mimicked, mocked and misunderstood by schoolmates, but he never let anyone get to him. In fact, he helped others out whenever he saw they were being picked on. He also never saw his TS as an obstacle, but instead an advantage, giving him the ability to empathize well with others and express himself clearly thanks to years spent explaining his TS to people he'd meet.

After turning down a promising career as an athlete and opting instead to pursue one as a police officer, the challenge of getting into the force arose, and Ken turned to the Tourette Syndrome Foundation of Canada (TSFC) for help. Armed with solid advice, a greater awareness of his rights and the confidence that comes with knowledge, Ken wowed his future employers during the interview process and is today a proud member of the police force.

"Those interviews to become a police officer were a real obstacle. During one interview I was even accused of lying because I had told them that I didn't have a disability which might prevent me from doing my job. It was true: my particular form of TS was an advantage if it was anything. I’m thankful that the TSFC was there to aid me in handling the issue of disclosure."

Ken H.