Wed Mar 05 2025
What is Sharding?
Sharding is a database partitioning technique that divides large datasets into smaller, more manageable pieces called shards, which are distributed across multiple database servers...
Tue Apr 22 2025
Meet Bret | Subject Matter Expert in Peer Support For Men With Disabilities
Between 25-30% of people identify as living with a disability. If i can help even 1-2% of the population with their needs and alleviate bottlenecks in the healthcare system, I see this making a huge difference for buffering healthcare capacity constraints.
-Bret Willls
About Bret
Bret has lived with a disability his entire life, but it wasn’t until his twenties that the challenges became more profound and difficult to manage. As he transitioned into adulthood, he began to encounter more systemic barriers—whether in education, employment, or healthcare—that made daily life increasingly complex. By his thirties, Bret had a deeper awareness of how marginalized people with disabilities often are, especially when it comes to access to care, resources, and opportunities. These realizations were not just personal—they illuminated broader issues within systems that are often ill-equipped to support people like him.
Through this journey, Bret discovered a sense of purpose in using his experiences to support others who may be navigating similar struggles. He recognized that while his path had been difficult, it also equipped him with empathy, resilience, and insight that could benefit others facing the same systemic obstacles. Bret is now passionate about creating and supporting peer networks that offer meaningful connection, understanding, and practical advice. His goal is to help others avoid the isolation and complexity he faced—ensuring that no one has to go through these challenges alone.
Bret is a great subject matter expert for driving solutions in peer support and long term care for men with disabilities.
Work to date
Bret has proactively reached out to organizations like Movember to explore potential partnerships that could be mutually beneficial. In turn, various nonprofits have approached him to see if their missions could align with his goals, particularly in bridging gaps in support, care, and advocacy for people with disabilities. These conversations reflect a growing recognition of the value Bret brings to collaborative efforts aimed at creating systemic change.
Bret is especially interested in working with nonprofit organizations such as Spinal Cord Injury Ontario—groups that not only understand the specific challenges he faces but also recognize the unique insights he offers in developing practical, innovative solutions. His lived experience and problem-solving approach make him a valuable partner in creating more inclusive programs and services, and he is eager to contribute to efforts that amplify the voices and needs of those often overlooked.
Bret can be reached at [email]
Challenges for men and peer support in disability
In Bret’s experience, many men are reluctant to talk about their problems, and this hesitation is even more pronounced among men with disabilities. He’s observed that they often don’t feel comfortable opening up about their emotions or challenges, fearing judgment or misunderstanding. This discomfort stems from deeply rooted social expectations around masculinity and strength, which can make vulnerability feel like a weakness—especially for those already navigating the added layer of living with a disability.
As a result, many of these men internalize their struggles, believing they’re a burden to their families, friends, and society at large. This mindset leads to self-isolation, where they begin to pull away from meaningful connections out of guilt or shame. Over time, they become lonelier than they even realize, having alienated themselves in ways that make it harder to seek help or feel understood. Bret sees this as a critical issue and hopes to create safe spaces where men—especially those with disabilities—can share their experiences without fear or stigma.
How could secure teletherapeutics help build a community to address mental health problems and alleviate loneliness
In teletherapeutic systems and integrated, patient-focused care, medical professionals play a vital role in diagnosing, treating, and managing the clinical aspects of mental health and disability. Their expertise provides structure, evidence-based practices, and continuity of care, especially in remote or underserved settings. However, despite their critical role, traditional clinical approaches may not fully address the emotional and social isolation that often accompanies disability. Many individuals, particularly those experiencing long-term or severe disabilities, report feeling misunderstood or disconnected in clinical settings, where the focus may lean heavily on symptoms rather than lived experience.
Community-driven peer support fills this crucial gap by offering empathy, relatability, and emotional validation that medical systems alone often lack. When integrated into telehealth platforms, peer support systems can complement professional care by fostering a sense of belonging and shared understanding among individuals facing similar challenges. These peer interactions can reduce feelings of loneliness, promote self-advocacy, and create a more holistic and sustainable model of mental wellness. Together, the collaboration between medical professionals and peer support networks creates a richer, more compassionate care environment—one that acknowledges both the clinical and human sides of living with a disability.
