CRTPA Montreal AGM - September 10 - September 12, 2024
Keynote Speaker

Lisa Franks
Lisa Franks’ world changed at the age of 14 when she became paralyzed from the neck down. She slowly regained the use of her arms and began to adapt to her new life using a wheelchair. She discovered wheelchair sports, and quickly rose through the ranks of competition. She competed at three Paralympic Games, bringing home six gold and one silver medal.
Lisa graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and worked designing mechanical systems in commercial buildings. When Covid forced the world to change in 2020, Lisa realized her passion lies in making the world more accessible for all. Pursuing her passion for accessibility and the outdoors led her to be involved with projects mapping outdoor trails for accessibility.
Lisa can readily be found mountain biking, kayaking, and surfing. When she isn’t busy with those activities, she is active with her role as Honorary Colonel in the Royal Canadian Air Force and going on adventures in her self-designed wheelchair accessible campervan.
Lisa shares how she adapted to her new life as a wheelchair user, weaving from the lowest points to the incredible highs of competing for Team Canada. Lisa tells her journey with humor and incredible vulnerability. Her presentation will leave you feeling empowered and ready to face challenges in your own life to find happiness, purpose, and success.
Lisa Franks’ world changed at the age of 14 when she became paralyzed from the neck down. She slowly regained the use of her arms and began to adapt to her new life using a wheelchair. She discovered wheelchair sports, and quickly rose through the ranks of competition. She competed at three Paralympic Games, bringing home six gold and one silver medal.
Lisa graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and worked designing mechanical systems in commercial buildings. When Covid forced the world to change in 2020, Lisa realized her passion lies in making the world more accessible for all. Pursuing her passion for accessibility and the outdoors led her to be involved with projects mapping outdoor trails for accessibility.
Lisa can readily be found mountain biking, kayaking, and surfing. When she isn’t busy with those activities, she is active with her role as Honorary Colonel in the Royal Canadian Air Force and going on adventures in her self-designed wheelchair accessible campervan.
Lisa shares how she adapted to her new life as a wheelchair user, weaving from the lowest points to the incredible highs of competing for Team Canada. Lisa tells her journey with humor and incredible vulnerability. Her presentation will leave you feeling empowered and ready to face challenges in your own life to find happiness, purpose, and success.