Panel Discussion: Connections and Supports in the Workplace for Students with Disabilities

This event took place on February 9, 2012

This panel gave students an opportunity to hear from professionals about their career paths and to get information about disclosure and accommodations in the workplace for persons with various disabilities (e.g., physical, mental health, learning). In addition, representatives from community agencies within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) dedicated to supporting persons with disabilities in the workplace were present to answer students' questions related to employment supports.

Participating Panelists:

Athena Goodfellow
Ph.D. Candidate, McMaster University
York Alumna: Critical Disability Studies, York University (2009)

I am very passionate about issues related to disability. I am completing my doctoral research on the experiences of university graduates with learning disabilities transitioning into the knowledge economy. I volunteer at several disability-related organizations. I could talk about disability all day long!

Terri-Lynn Langdon
Counsellor, Thrive Counselling

I have been an activist in the disAbility and mental health communities for the many years. I am a social worker (MSW) who has worked with youth for 11 years. I also have experience in the Violence against women sector as well as working with people with mental health issues and substance abuse.  A passion of mine has been assisting homeless and marginalized people and anti-oppressive practice is close to my heart. I love to work with students to help them with their educational and career goals and help them realize their potential. I am well known for my previous accomplishments as an athlete in competitive and marathon swimming, having swum across Lake Erie from New York to Ontario in 12hrs and 55mins! Helping people navigate systems is an area of strength. Currently, I am the owner of Thrive Counselling offering personal counselling to the community at Six Degrees Community Acupuncture!

Kaye Leslie
Manager Of Workforce Diversity, Scotiabank

I have been working at Scotiabank for the past 6 years as a Manager Of Workforce Diversity. In this capacity, I work closely with a team of staffing and recruitment managers in order to promote the hiring and retention of people with disabilities. I have a personal and professional interest in the field of disabilities. I have both a vision and hearing loss and am currently studying for my masters degree at York University in Disability Studies. In the past, I have worked in the private and public sector and have co-authored a chapter on Sensory Loss And Seniors. This research has been published in a university textbook that is being used by professors in universities across Canada and the United States.

Terry Robinson
HR Advisor, Government of Ontario

I am currently a Human Resources Advisor with the Ministry of Government Services HR Ontario. I represented Canada from 1986-1992 which included 1988 & 1992 Paralympics and received a bronze medal in 1988. I wheeled across the province in 2008 for Autism Spectrum Disorders with a friend who ran across the country. The thing I try to live by is: "If you are going to doubt something, doubt your limits."

Participating Exhibitors:

The following employers and community agencies will also be exhibiting and will have representatives in attendance to answer your questions: