Join the Canadian Accessibility Network (CAN) and Statistics Canada for an engaging panel discussion that will highlight the impact that embracing accessibility has on individual experiences and contributes to collective success.

As we mark the fifth anniversary of the introduction of the Accessible Canada Act, we find ourselves at a pivotal juncture. This moment presents a unique opportunity to reflect on the progress made in dismantling barriers and fostering opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Panelists will share key turning points and significant accelerators of change from their personal journeys and offer insights on what still needs to be accomplished to continue to advance cultural shifts and attitudes toward disability and accessibility within Canadian society.

ASL and LSQ interpretation, bilingual captioning, and simultaneous audio translation in both English and French will be provided. Additional accommodations available as requested.

Speakers:

Tony Labillois
Director General, Justice, Diversity, and Population Statistics Branch and Champion for Persons with Disabilities, Statistics Canada
Vice-Chair, CAN Governing Council and Chair, CAN Advisory Council

Tony has spent his entire career at Statistics Canada, rising through the ranks over the past 30 years to become a Director General. In 2002, he added a new line to his job description: champion for people with disabilities. The goal is full participation, supporting each person and benefiting from their contribution and productivity. Tony’s expanded role has allowed him to acquire vast knowledge about disability, needs, perceived or real obstacles, effective accommodations, the many facets of accessibility, mechanisms, and solutions. In 2012, he was awarded the Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, recognizing his leadership in promoting diversity at Statistics Canada. Tony was born with low-vision and is legally blind.

Dr. Jessica Ward-King
Senior Policy and Research Analyst, Task Force for Black Public Servants, Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat

Self-stigmatization prevented Jessica from seeking treatment, kept her in the proverbial closet, fed a cesspool of shame and self-hatred, and nearly killed her. Jessica brings a humorous, irreverent, scientifically-informed account of mental health and stigma. She aims to inform and educate the public about advocacy, bipolar disorder and more.

Nicole Bekzadeh
Business Expertise Senior Consultant, Service Canada

Nicole, a first-generation Black Canadian woman, is navigating work–life balance in the public service. Despite the systemic barriers she has faced, she is deeply motivated to challenge systemic racism and microaggressions, and promote allyship to help advance a more inclusive public service.

Sancho Angulo
Engagement Advisor, Office of Public Service Accessibility, Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat

An autistic Filipino Canadian public servant, privacy professional, and public speaker, Sancho is a passionate advocate for embracing neurodiversity in the workplace. Drawing from his own lived experience and current research, Sancho discusses the barriers faced by neurodivergent employees at work and practical tips for managers and employees to foster neuroinclusive workspaces.

The Canadian Accessibility Network is a national collaboration under the leadership of the Accessibility Institute at Carleton University that aims to advance accessibility for persons with disabilities.