About Above & Beyond
A Story of Resilience, Purpose & Possibility
Above & Beyond began long before it became a television show, a speaking platform, or a movement for accessibility and inclusion. It began with a story.
Years before Above & Beyond existed, Anthony Frisina began writing a book—not with the intention of publishing it, but simply to capture the stories, experiences, challenges, and moments from his life that he wanted to remember.
Throughout Anthony's life, his mom reminded him that proving something to yourself will always matter more than proving something to anyone else. That message became one of the foundations of his journey.
At McMaster Children's Hospital, Anthony was also encouraged to look beyond expectations. Doctors reminded him that expectations were simply the minimum standard—and encouraged him to go Above & Beyond.
Those words stayed with him.
A New Chapter
In 2016, Anthony found himself at a crossroads. His mom had passed away, and he was navigating one of the most difficult periods of his life. She had been his rock, his supporter, and one of the people who believed in him most deeply.
Her loss changed him—but it also helped him recognize that the stories he had been writing were meant to become something more.
Anthony began exploring opportunities to share his voice and connect with others. In 2018, he auditioned for The Showcase on Cable 14, a program designed to explore subject matter that was meaningful to its creators and had the potential to connect with an audience.
That opportunity became the beginning of something much bigger.
Above & Beyond was greenlit as a pilot in 2018.
What started as an idea became a television program, and season after season, Above & Beyond grew into a platform for conversations about disability, accessibility, inclusion, resilience, community, and the experiences that connect us all.
Today, Anthony continues that journey through speaking, advocacy, consulting, media, and community engagement.
Our Mission
Above & Beyond exists to bridge the gaps of accessibility and inclusion by amplifying lived experience, challenging barriers, and creating opportunities for meaningful participation, connection, and belonging.
We work to move conversations beyond awareness and compliance toward practical action, innovation, and lasting change.
Our Vision
A world where accessibility and inclusion are not afterthoughts, but fundamental to how we design, build, lead, and connect—creating communities where everyone has the opportunity to participate, contribute, and thrive.
Going Above & Beyond
For Anthony, Above & Beyond is more than a name.
It is a reminder.
A reminder that the standards placed on us do not have to define our possibilities.
A reminder that our stories have value.
A reminder that lived experience can create change.
And a reminder that sometimes, going Above & Beyond isn't about proving something to someone else. It's about discovering what is possible for yourself—and then using that possibility to help create opportunities for others.
I will.
I did.
And I do.
Anthony continues to carry his mother's words, his experiences, and the lessons learned throughout his journey into every conversation, presentation, and opportunity to create change.
We invite you to join the journey.
Above & Beyond
Bridging the Gaps of Accessibility and Inclusion.
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.
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)
