Who is
Anthony Frisina
Mission
Anthony Frisina's mission is to share the value of lived experience—knowledge that extends beyond what can be learned through academia, policy, or textbooks. Through advocacy, education, and community engagement, he strives to challenge conventional thinking and encourage organizations to move beyond minimum standards toward meaningful accessibility, inclusion, and belonging. His work is grounded in the belief that every individual deserves to have their autonomy, agency, dignity, and independence respected and upheld.
About Anthony
Born with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, Anthony Frisina has dedicated his life to advancing accessibility, inclusion, and disability awareness throughout Hamilton and beyond. Rather than allowing barriers to define his path, Anthony has transformed lived experience into a platform for advocacy, leadership, and community impact.
A graduate of Mohawk College with multiple professional certifications, Anthony has built a diverse career spanning accessibility consulting, community engagement, transportation safety, and higher education. He has worked with organizations including AccessNow, Ramudden, WSP, and McMaster University, bringing a unique perspective that combines professional expertise with lived experience.
Recognized as a respected speaker, consultant, television host, podcast host, author, and disability advocate, Anthony works with businesses, organizations, municipalities, and community groups to create environments that are accessible, inclusive, and welcoming to all. His presentations and consultations focus on moving beyond compliance and fostering cultures where people of all abilities can participate fully and equitably.
Anthony is deeply committed to volunteerism and community leadership. He serves or has served on numerous boards and advisory groups, including All Abilities Allstars, Rygiel Supports for Community Living, the Hamilton Accessible Sports Council, Sport Hamilton, and Mohawk Sports Park. He also previously volunteered with the Ron Joyce Children's Health Centre, supporting children with disabilities through recreational and community-based programming.
In addition, Anthony proudly serves as an Ambassador for The Forward Movement, an initiative dedicated to reframing conversations around disability, ability, accessibility, and inclusion while promoting opportunities for people of all abilities to thrive.
Above & Beyond
Anthony's journey in media and public advocacy began with an appearance on Cable 14's The Showcase. A show that granted opportunities for Hamiltonians to speak to a subject matter that was important to them, which evolved into Above & Beyond, a television program and platform dedicated to accessibility, inclusion, allyship, and community engagement.
Through meaningful conversations and authentic storytelling, Above & Beyond amplifies the voices of individuals, organizations, and community leaders who are working to remove barriers and create more inclusive communities. The program highlights the importance of collaboration between the disability community and its allies while showcasing innovative approaches to accessibility and social inclusion. Season 8 begins in January 2027
Beyond TV and the microphone, Anthony provides accessibility consulting services to businesses, non-profits, educational institutions, and community organizations. His work focuses on helping organizations create systems, spaces, programs, and experiences that not only meet accessibility requirements but exceed them by embracing true inclusion and universal belonging.
Awards and Recognition
Anthony's dedication to community service, accessibility advocacy, and disability inclusion has been recognized through numerous awards and distinctions, including:
• Most Outstanding Community Advocate – Cable 14 Impact Awards (2023)
• The Order of Hamilton (2020)
• Mohawk College Alumni of Distinction (2013)
• Rick Hansen Relay Medal Bearer and Difference Maker (2011)
• Pan Am Games Torch Bearer – Toronto 2015
• Amity Goodwill Award (1997)