Nicholas Herd

Nicholas Herd is a passionate advocate for people with disabilities, dedicated to amplifying the voices of those often excluded from civil society. As Creative Advocacy Coordinator for L’Arche Canada, Nicholas has been a driving force in shifting the organization’s focus from leading for to leading with persons with intellectual disabilities. A man with Down Syndrome, Nicholas is a skilled collaborator and relationship builder who demonstrates daily how the full engagement of people with intellectual disabilities enriches and transforms community development processes.

In 2024, Nicholas made history as the first person with a disability invited to Blog Live for UN News during COSP17, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. His blogs and interviews highlighted his commitment to advancing a more inclusive world, blending his personal experience with professional advocacy to inspire change. Nicholas also served as guest editor for UN News during this ground breaking event, further showcasing his talents in journalism and communications.

Nicholas is also a creative force in the arts. In 2022, he served as Creative Director for what is believed to be the first animated music video featuring a protagonist with Down Syndrome, bringing his artistic vision and passion for film to life. A lifelong fan of animation, Nicholas described seeing his experience represented on screen as “phenomenal.” He is also a founding member of L’Arche Toronto’s Sol-Express performing arts troupe and contributed to the play Rare, which won Best of Fringe at the Toronto Fringe Festival in 2012.

With a wealth of experience in public advocacy, journalism, and multimedia production—including podcasts, YouTube channels, and public events—Nicholas has represented L’Arche Canada in international collaborations. Recently, he traveled to Croatia as a guest expert in a multiyear youth disability leadership project, engaging with young leaders from multiple countries.

Nicholas’s work continues to inspire and redefine what inclusion looks like, serving as a role model for people of all abilities who strive to live authentically and courageously.