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A dynamic conversation on disability and inclusion.

About this Event

At this event, you will join a diverse group of industry, students and Centennial College staff and faculty in a dynamic conversation about disability and employment. The event will include a panel discussion featuring leaders in creating an inclusive learning and working environment, intimate conversations with panellists in breakout rooms, and a launch of dynamic resources to support the academic and career successes of students with disabilities.

By joining us for this event, you will give you the opportunity to:

• Engage in interactive discussions that inspire and promote the academic and career success of students with disabilities
• Learn about best practices to increase inclusive learning and working opportunities
• Connect with industries that promote the employment of people with disabilities
• Cultivate a valuable network with colleagues with an inclusive mindset within and outside Centennial College

GUEST SPEAKERS

Melissa Simas

Melissa Simas is a graduate of the Master of Social Work Program at Ryerson University. She considers herself to be an advocate for promoting women’s rights and the social inclusion of people with disabilities. This is evidenced by her work as a volunteer with the Strengths-Based Parenting Initiative (SPIN) at Springtide Resources as well as the Sexability and Women with Disabilities Action Awareness Group at Vibrant Healthcare Alliance. For the past eight years, Melissa has held the position of program coordinator with the Expanding the Reach: Outreach to Women with Disabilities program at Scarborough Women’s Centre.

Danny Smith

A self-proclaimed UDL champion and Microsoft Office O365 unicorn, Danny is focused on helping his marketing students become expert learners and in turn, expert employees. In both cases, individuals are able to identify and use tools to personalize their study/work environments as well as to create more inclusive marketing.

Dr. Mahadeo Sukhai

Dr. Mahadeo Sukhai is the Head of Research and Chief Accessibility Officer for the CNIB. Dr. Sukhai completed an Hon.B.Sc. in genetics, becoming at the time the youngest person to enter the University of Toronto, and the youngest to graduate, as well as being the first blind or partially sighted individual to be trained in his field. Dr. Sukhai holds a Ph.D. in cancer genetics, and completed two postdoctoral fellowships at the University Health Network. Prior to his current role, Mahadeo was the Head of the Variant Interpretation Group within the Genome Diagnostics division at the University Health Network.

Dr. Sukhai has a wealth of knowledge and experience in research in diagnostics, healthcare and education, particularly focused on the student experience in STEM and graduate education for students with disabilities. Dr. Sukhai is the Principal Investigator for and co-author of "Creating a Culture of Accessibility in the Sciences," a book based on his groundbreaking work on access to science within higher education and serves as the principal investigator for national projects to understand the student experience for persons with disabilities, and to examine the landscape of accessibility within Canadian postsecondary education.