​In May 2004, Ian Young was residing in Calgary, Alberta, Canada  a general feeling of unwell brought him to seek medical attention, little did he know the diagnosis would be life altering as well as awakening. A rare disorder was growing lesions on his cerebellum, his condition deteriorated and he suffered several strokes leaving him incapable of many independent functions and virtually an unknown outcome.
His family eventually had him transferred to his hometown of Edmonton, Alberta. A lot of complications arose until Ian finally began a brain injury rehabilitation program at the esteemed Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital in Edmonton. A 48 day therapy regime, gave him the physical/mental strength to become independent and the realization that Brain Injury is the leading killer and dis-abler of Canadians in the prime of their lives, Through proper support links Ian has become vocal, doing presentations at a national level, media appearances, organizing a radio show with experts in the field and enjoying a quality of life.
In September 2008 Ian received the 3rd annual Glenrose Award of Courage for his contribution for proper rehabilitation, outcome, quality of life, In 2009 he received a special recognition award for outstanding support,devotion to advance the cause of Brain Injury Awareness in Canada from the Brain Injury Association of Canada. Ian continues to advocate on behalf of adults suffering acquired Brain Injury. Ian at one point felt overwhelmed, but remembered the words of a supportive friend, Aga Bona “With Recovery Comes Responsibility” and he will continue to advocate on the quality of life everyone is deserving of.
Ian continues to keep active and aware of issues involving all disabilities attending conferences, sitting on municipal decision making boards for disability rights and sharing his information with the community.
He is a writer, a speaker, past board member of The Voice of Albertans with Disabilities,  the Alberta Representative for The Canadian Council of persons With Disabilities and completed a Human Rights Facilitator Program with the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights. On July 1, 2017,  to commemorate Canada's 150th Birthday, Ian was recognized as an influential Albertan for his endeavors and work for the community, at a celebratory recognition ceremony at Edmonton's Rogers Place.
As of 2019 Ian has been pursuing classes in Humanities  at the University of Alberta
As of March 2nd 2020, Ian holds a member at large position, and as of June 2020 holds an executive position with the Council of Canadians with Disabilities(CCD)
“If my mind can perceive it,  And My heart can believe it,  I can achieve it” – Rev Jesse Jackson