Description
Ryan Hooey is a person living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and a passionate advocate for accessibility. Diagnosed more than 30 years ago, Ryan’s experience with T1D has taught him the importance of ensuring equitable access to medication, technology and care. As a person with diabetic retinopathy, a degenerative eye condition experienced by many people with diabetes, Ryan is the handler of a CNIB certified guide dog, Joe, and a Patient Partner with Diabetes Action Canada’s (DAC’s) Diabetic Retinopathy Screening program. He is the Manager, Major Gifts at CNIB and sits on multiple boards for organizations in the disability sector. In 2024, Ryan was awarded a Catalyst for Change Award by DAC for his commitment to patient-oriented research, and he is part of the first ever Research to Action Fellowship cohort at the organization. In addition, he hosts a monthly segment on Accessible Media Inc called AMI Book Review, where he conducts author interviews and gives the audience updates on audiobook news. Ryan is a person of Indigenous ancestry and is part of the Keeseekoowenin First Nation.
