All-around athlete and inclusion advocate, Matthew Brotherwood
Simon Chang, left, and Matthew Brotherwood during the surprise award ceremony at Chang’s atelier on Chabanel St. on April 29. Photo: Mark Bergman
"My brother Matthew leads an exhausting and full life," laughed Kate Brotherwood. "He really shows the unlimited potential of someone if they’re just given the chance."
Embodying the concepts of inclusion, making a difference and change, Matthew Brotherwood has been chosen as this edition’s recipient of the Simon Chang Difference Maker Award.
Growing up in England, Kate shared how her parents fostered numerous children in need. One night, they were alerted about a baby boy with Down syndrome who had been abandoned at the hospital. They immediately took him in, and Matthew became an integral part of the family. Both through his own actions and for the lives he touches, Matthew “is a true role model for me and a hero,” said Kate, who nominated him for the award.
“I feel very excited to get an award. It’s just fun to see my family coming here to support me,” said Matthew.
This edition’s Simon Chang Difference Maker, Matthew Broterwood, seen here holding his award, surrounded by his family and Simon Chang on Aprill 28 at Chang’s atelier. Photo: Joonas Horn
In fact, when he was born, the doctor gave him a poor prognosis. Despite the dismal prediction, Matthew has “defied every expectation…and has thrived beyond anyone’s wildest dreams,” shared Kate.
The first thing that one notices upon meeting Matthew is his positive energy, she said. His big smile and signature bleached blond hair make him a quasi-celebrity in NDG, where he is a popular busboy at the Notre- Boeuf-de-Grâce restaurant.
Beyond challenging assumptions about ability, Matthew also provides hope for families with members who have disabilities that with the proper accommodations and support, “the sky is the limit,” said Kate.
On the side, Matthew is athletically gifted and has taken part in both the Summer and Winter Special Olympics games on a provincial and national level. Whether he is competing in swimming, track and field or downhill skiing, he has been recognized for his skills and leadership abilities when representing Quebec on the national stage.
Matthew also volunteers as an assistant ski instructor at Les Sommets Morin Heights Snow School. Beyond supporting young children still wobbly on their skis, the school is actualizing inclusion in practice. “Through his work both on the ski hill and in the restaurant, he demonstrates that disability does not define who we are,” said Kate. “It can be a superpower, promoting passion and a shift in how society views individuals with disabilities.”
Growing up, Matthew’s family never let his disability define him; from attending mainstream school to achieving athletic success and finding meaningful community involvement, he has consistently challenged limiting assumptions about his potential. In 2009, Matthew was selected to take part in the National Film Board’s short animated documentary film, Tying Your Own Shoes, providing an inside look into what it means to be a little bit different. Several schools have screened it to promote discussions about diversity and inclusion.
Kate highlighted that despite juggling a busy schedule, for Matthew, family comes first. “People often think that when someone has an intellectual disability, they are limited in what they can do,” said her 12-year-old daughter, Layla Rose Grintuch. “But my uncle is involved in so much; he plays six sports, works and has an activity every day. That’s why you should not look down on people like him but instead look up to them.”
When Matthew is not skiing – or working, training or spending time with his family – he is taking classes at the inclusion program of Les Grands Ballet Canadiens, as well as performing with Danse 21+, launched by his mother in 2017 (see article in Fall 2025 - Winter 2026, p.19).
“Matthew Brotherwood exemplifies the very qualities we seek in a Difference Maker,” said Simon Chang. “He brings dedication, passion and enthusiasm to everything he does whether at work, in sports, through volunteer efforts or with his family. He consistently breaks down barriers and reaches higher. I am delighted to recognize him as this edition’s award recipient.”
Reflected Kate, “Matthew is an inspiration in my daily life: to go out there and be passionate about something and, in general, be positive in life. We’re the lucky ones.”
Nominate your Difference Maker at info@inspirationsnews.com.
We are grateful to the Simon Chang Foundation for Change for their invaluable support and partnership over the past five years, helping us share stories that celebrate difference makers and promote inclusion for people of all abilities across Greater Montreal.
