Ontario Summit for Students with Disabilities
2024 Schedule
The Summit is organized through a series of moderated panels to create space for diverse perspectives of disability, as well as to facilitate as many audience questions and comments as possible.
There will be two breaks in the day from 12:00-12:30 and 2:30-3:00, but we invite attendees to take other breaks as needed.
2024 Sponsors
9:45 a.m.
Introduction to Summit Accessibility Features
Join us before the Keynote Address for an introduction to the Summit accessibility features and an explanation of how the day will run.
10:00 a.m.
Keynote Address: A Snapshot of Disability Throughout Academia
Speaker: Isa-Bella Leclair
11:00 a.m.
Panel #1: Finding a Balance that Works for You
This panel discussion will feature student stories on balancing priorities of wellness, academics, community, and culture.
Host: Jules Koncovy
Panelists: Corbin McBride, Michelle Liu, Trần Thanh Tâm (Tam) Phạm
12:00 p.m.
Break
Two breaks (12:00-12:30 p.m. and 2:30-3:00 p.m.) are embedded within the schedule; however, attendees are encouraged to take additional breaks as needed.
12:30 p.m.
Panel #2: To Disclose or Not to Disclose
This panel discussion will explore perspectives on disclosure of disability in academic and career settings.
Host: Alex Matos
Panelists: Catherine Dumé, Dr. Dan Wolczuk, Dr. Eliza Chandler
1:30 p.m.
Panel #3: Dynamic Disabilities
This panel discussion will focus on navigating the unpredictable nature of disability in an academic setting.
Host: Tommy Akinnawonu
Panelists: Alicia Abbott, Omar Hamdan, Ryan Joslin
2:30 p.m.
Break
Two breaks (12:00-12:30 p.m. and 2:30-3:00 p.m.) are embedded within the schedule; however, attendees are encouraged to take additional breaks as needed.
3:00 p.m.
Closing Remarks
Closing remarks will be delivered by Dave DeVidi, Associate Vice-President, Academic at the University of Waterloo. These remarks are offered on behalf of all Ontario postsecondary institutions, departments, and staff who plan to implement the anonymized stories shared during the Summit to advance disability inclusion. These remarks speak to the power of lived experiences in leading necessary change.
Speaker: Dave DeVidi
3:15 p.m.
Systemic Barriers, Ableism, and Your Stories
This session invites attendees to share their stories and lived experiences through a moderated fishbowl. The goal of this session is to connect with each other, validate experiences, and feel heard as a student with a disability.
Moderators: Remington Zhi, Emma Collington