Agenda

At a young age, Rosalie developed a passion for visual arts. In 2004, she made her first television appearance performing a classical dance solo in a tribute to Kent Nagano. But it was on the show LE MATCH DES ÉTOILES with her mother Marie-Josée Taillefer that the public discovered her. Both then became ambassadors for the “Réseau de l’enseignement de la danse” (Dance Teaching Network).

Born profoundly deaf, her first mode of communication was in Langue des signes québécoise (Quebec sign language). Thanks to a cochlear implant, she has developed remarkable autonomy in communication. For three years, she was the face of closed captioning for the ARTV.

Enchanted by colors and scenography, Rosalie completed a Diploma of College Studies (DSC) and a Baccalaureate at the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) in visual and media arts. She still pursues her own art as a painter. She mounted two solo exhibitions in Montreal, in 2015 and 2018.

In 2016, invited to “Tout le monde en parle” (Everybody’s talking about it), accompanied by her father René Simard, she won over the public with her enthusiasm and candor. In a most moving father-daughter duo, Rosalie traveled across Quebec with the “Nouveau rêve” tour starring René Simard.

In 2017, she gave presentations with her mother Marie-Josée Taillefer entitled “Taillefer et fille, relever un défi” (Taillefer and Daughter, Taking on a Challenge).

She then revealed her talents as a host with “Mission accessible” on Ami-télé and became an actress in the CLASH series produced by Fabienne Larouche on Vrak Télé in 2018-19.

For two years, we have been able appreciate her sense of humor in the LOL series produced by ComediHa.

In 2020, Rosalie met Premier François Legault, following her publication of an awareness video on wearing transparent masks to help the hearing impaired. The video got over a million views on social media.

In 2021, she becomes spokesperson for the major awareness campaign for the “Office des personnes handicapées du Québec” (Office for Persons with Disabilities of Quebec).

In 2022, Rosalie hosted with her mother Marie-Josée Taillefer the show “Des familles comme les autres” (Families like others) on Ami-télé with the aim of normalizing difference.

Without formal drama training but a true love for both dance and drama Nicholas has embraced all performance opportunities offered to him in movies and on the stage. Nick also produces and stars in his own online talk show entitled “Keeping it Real With Nick” on the Disability Network and was the Creative Director for an animated short called Freebird that was long listed for a 2022 Academy Award along with winning 35 international awards. Added to Nicholas’s acting passion is his love of artwork. Again, without formal training Nicholas has taken to canvas, inspiring elements in his life. With a large portfolio of paintings Nicholas applied and was accepted to present and sell his artwork at the 2012, 2013 and 2015 Cobourg Waterfront Festival and participated in several art exhibits with L’Arche Toronto. Aside from Nicholas’s artistic side he is also an avid advocate for persons with Down syndrome and has shared his opinion and personal stories at several events and conferences.

As the Executive Director, Healthcare Transformation and Capacity Building, Denise works to enable healthcare leaders and teams across Canada to enhance their ability to make improvements and to sustain them. Denise leads a team providing a focus for subject matter expertise and knowledge translation in key areas of Healthcare Excellence Canada’s mandate, such as patient safety and lived experience of patients, caregivers, and communities. Denise also lends her leadership to our team-based executive training program EXTRA and focus on leadership and governance.

Prior to joining Healthcare Excellence Canada, Denise worked at Interior Health as Director of Aboriginal Health and Mental Health and Addictions - Thompson, Cariboo. Her experience in healthcare leadership lends itself to understanding systems knowledge. Her lived experience as a Métis woman, patient and caregiver supports her passion for justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. Denise previously supported the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement as an Indigenous coach and has supported Healthcare Excellence Canada since its inception as an Indigenous advisor.

Denise has been recognized for her many years of leadership in the not-for-profit sector with a Champion Mental Health Award from the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH). Closer to home in Kamloops, British Columbia, the YMCA awarded Denise with a Woman of Distinction Award. 

The Honourable Carla Qualtrough was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Delta in 2015.She has served as Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion since 2019.Minister Qualtrough has previously served as Minister of Accessibility, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, and Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities.A successful lawyer, dedicated volunteer, and Paralympic swimmer, Minister Qualtrough is a strong advocate for Delta, with a commitment to addressing inequality and championing diversity.Committed to equity and inclusion, Minister Qualtrough has practised human rights law at the federal and provincial levels.She chaired the Minister’s Council on Employment and Accessibility in British Columbia, and was an adjudicator with the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Tribunal.

Passionate about the power of sport and physical activity to change lives, Minister Qualtrough has volunteered locally, nationally, and internationally, including with the International Paralympic Committee and for the Toronto 2015 Pan and Parapan American Games.She has been President of the Canadian Paralympic Committee and Chair of the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada.She was also on the Board of the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport, and was Vice-Chair of the Delta Gymnastics Society.As an athlete, Minister Qualtrough won three Paralympic and four World Championship medals.Minister Qualtrough has degrees in political science from the University of Ottawa and in law from the University of Victoria.Among many awards for her work, she has been named one of Canada’s Most Influential Women in Sport numerous times, and received a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.

The Honourable Carla Qualtrough was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Delta in 2015.She has served as Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion since 2019.Minister Qualtrough has previously served as Minister of Accessibility, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, and Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities.A successful lawyer, dedicated volunteer, and Paralympic swimmer, Minister Qualtrough is a strong advocate for Delta, with a commitment to addressing inequality and championing diversity.Committed to equity and inclusion, Minister Qualtrough has practised human rights law at the federal and provincial levels.She chaired the Minister’s Council on Employment and Accessibility in British Columbia, and was an adjudicator with the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Tribunal.

Passionate about the power of sport and physical activity to change lives, Minister Qualtrough has volunteered locally, nationally, and internationally, including with the International Paralympic Committee and for the Toronto 2015 Pan and Parapan American Games.She has been President of the Canadian Paralympic Committee and Chair of the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada.She was also on the Board of the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport, and was Vice-Chair of the Delta Gymnastics Society.As an athlete, Minister Qualtrough won three Paralympic and four World Championship medals.Minister Qualtrough has degrees in political science from the University of Ottawa and in law from the University of Victoria.Among many awards for her work, she has been named one of Canada’s Most Influential Women in Sport numerous times, and received a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.

Joeita Gupta brings us closer to issues impacting the disability community across Canada as host of The Pulse on AMI. Joeita has nurtured a life-long dream to work in radio! She's blind, moved to Toronto in 2004 and got her start in radio at CKLN, 88.1 FM in Toronto. A former co-host of AMI-audio's Live from Studio 5, Joeita also works full-time at a nonprofit in Toronto, specializing in housing/tenant rights.

Find Joeita on Twitter: @JoeitaGupta

I am the IT and multimedia coordinator for the Association de l'Ouïe de l'Outaouais (ADOO), a non-profit organization for deaf and hard of hearing people in Gatineau. I am severe to profoundly deaf, I communicate in Quebec Sign Language (LSQ) every day with my family and at work and I also wear hearing aids. I joined the ADOO in 2007 as an animator, graphic designer, then I moved on to the position of coordinator.

I graduated from La Cité College in Ottawa in the Graphic Design program. I have more than 15 years of experience in the field of graphic design, computer science, multimedia and teaching Quebec sign language (LSQ).

Me and my ADOO team are passionate about defending the rights of deaf and hard of hearing people, making information and communication accessible, raising awareness among public-parapublic organizations and developing and offering various programs in popular education, literacy, courses in Quebec sign languages (LSQ) and educational practice to make the community inclusive.

Visions sur l'Art (Québec) Inc. (VSAQ) is a non-profit organization incorporated since May 1993 affiliated with Very Special Arts (VSA) whose head office is located in Washington, D.C. in pursuit of a common goal, which is to promote international access to the field of the Arts for people of diverse abilities (people with disabilities, D/deaf, etc.) neuro divergent. Founded in 1974, VSA brings together more than 60 countries. More than seven million people actively participate in VSA programs. (https://www.vsart.org)

Visions sur l’Art Québec supports artists of diverse abilities (D/deaf, disabled) and neuro-divergent people in the research and development of their artistic projects. We advocate the opening of cultural and artistic circles to these artists. Let us promote the inclusion of these artists and work to have their contribution to the cultural life of society recognized.*

Ensure for artists of all disciplines, members of our organization:

• Access to the international world of the arts through our network of VSA programs around the world.
• Supervision of Quebec delegations to VSA festivals.
• Support for the participation of Québec artists in events: competitions, training, exhibitions, shows, festivals, etc.

Niki Ramesh leads digital accessibility for CBC, Canada's public broadcaster and media company. She and her team are passionate about providing equitable digital experiences for everyone living in Canada. She enjoys working with research and product development teams to experiment with accessibility features and learn about the needs of the disabled community. She’s also a proud co-founder of Access to Success, supporting MBA students with disabilities and accessibility startups in North America.

Mother of 4 young adults, Lyne Dubé holds a bachelor's degree in special education and a graduate degree in visual impairment rehabilitation. This energetic woman holds the position of Adaptive Technology Program Manager. A pedagogue at heart, her training and experience have prepared her well for her current duties: making the blind aware of the technological tools available and training them in their use. The visual impairment she herself has had since birth has increased her ability to put herself in their shoes, to understand the obstacles they face. “To see people flourish when they discover that they can be functional thanks to the tools they are introduced to – after being told by the ophthalmologist that there was nothing more to do – it is a great motivation and a great joy for me.” Blindness, for Lyne Dubé, is not a fatality, it is a new beginning.

Damon Kirsebom is a twenty-one-year-old, nonspeaking, autistic Canadian, who types in order to communicate his thoughts. In line with the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Damon is dedicated to eliminating barriers to communication and inclusion, so all people can participate fully in our society. He has shared his perspective with educators, medical professionals and government representatives. You can follow Damon on Instagram, @damonkirsebom; or on YouTube

Dr. Zephania Matanga is the executive Director of The Canadian Multicultural Disability Centre. He holds a doctorate in the area of Special Education from the Department of Applied Psychology, at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto. In addition, he is a certified teacher in Ontario and Manitoba.

Dr. Matanga has authored over 40 articles on disability issues from diverse angles. He has just co-authored a book entitled: transformative-inclusiv. The book can be found at website: https://canadianscholars.ca/book/transformative-inclusive-education/ . His post-graduate studies in Canada and abroad are extensive. As a Special Education research leader, he has developed educational strategies that are most effective for children, youth and adults with disabilities, non-speaking students and those with seizure disorders, students with emotional-behavior disorders, and those with visual disabilities and other physical and perceptual disabilities. He also understands as to how such skills can be applied in both developing and developed countries. This is demonstrated by a series of projects he has implemented both in Canada and Zimbabwe. He also has authored a book chapter entitled: A Comparison of Institutional Discriminatory Practices against People with Disabilities in North America and Africa: Cases in Zimbabwe and Canada. As the Executive Director of The Canadian Multicultural Disability Centre (INC) he has been very effective, working with engineers and physicians in the development of assistive devices for persons with disabilities.

He has been on many boards of directors in Manitoba that include Manitoba Council for International Cooperation and the Independent Living Resource Centre.

He is also the founder of the Zephania and Mildrate Medical Centre currently operating in Zimbabwe servicing a population of seventy thousand.

Steven Scott is a well-known name in the world of broadcasting, and he is the host of the popular AMI-audio show, Double Tap. As a tech enthusiast and accessibility advocate, Steven is passionate about bringing the latest news and reviews from the world of technology to people with disabilities.

Steven has had low vision since birth, and he has always been interested in technology and its potential to improve the lives of people with disabilitie, in particular those who are blind or low vision. He has a wealth of experience in audio journalism, having worked for various radio stations and media outlets over the years.

Steven is a passionate advocate for disability rights, and he believes that technology can play a key role in creating a more inclusive society. He is committed to raising awareness about the challenges faced by people with disabilities, and to promoting the use of technology to overcome these challenges.

As the host of Double Tap, Steven brings a unique perspective to the world of technology journalism, and his engaging style and in-depth knowledge have earned him a loyal following.

Maayan Ziv, Founder & CEO, AccessNow
Pronouns: She/Her
Pronunciation: My-N Ziv

Maayan Ziv is an activist, photographer and entrepreneur. In 2015, she launched AccessNow, a mobile app and website that collects and shares information about the accessibility status of places worldwide. What began as a response to her frustration when trying to navigate inaccessible places, AccessNow soon grew to become a mission-oriented social start-up. Within just a couple years AccessNow has vocalized a movement for inclusion, inviting people of all abilities to contribute to the platform.

As CEO of AccessNow, Maayan has created a powerful shift in thinking about the importance of accessibility in our world, from accessible technologies to infrastructure, public policy, media and communications. To date, AccessNow has shared accessibility information about over 1 million places in 107 countries around the world.

An influential public speaker who is often in the media, Maayan collaborates with private sector companies as well as government and not-for-profit organizations. She is leading a movement, challenging norms and empowering others to make the future accessible and inclusive for all. Maayan and her work with AccessNow have received numerous awards including: MIT Technology Review’s Innovators Under 35 (2022), Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 (2021), the Governor General’s Innovation Award (2020), WXN Top 100 Canada’s Most Powerful Women (2018), City of Toronto Access Award (2016), David C. Onley Leadership in Accessibility Award (2016).

Through the transformative power of sport, Special Olympics Canada gives individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities the strength, determination, skills, and confidence to take on any challenge in sport and in life. A grassroots charitable organization, SOC provides year-round physical literacy skills, sport training, nutrition education, health screenings, leadership development programs, social engagement, and competition opportunities for tens of thousands of participants of all ages and abilities across Canada. With a national office and twelve incorporated provincial/territorial chapters, the federation’s work is supported in over 365 communities by thousands of volunteers dedicated to the empowerment and full participation in society of individuals with intellectual and developmental disability.

Ardra Shephard is the influential Canadian blogger and podcaster behind the award-winning MS confessional, Tripping On Air. Ardra is the host and creator of AMI-tv’s game-changing makeover series Fashion Dis. She is a Healthline columnist (Ask Ardra), she has an upcoming memoir and she is in development with eOne for a scripted half-hour television show about life with MS.

As a sought after writer, consultant, and speaker, Ardra has contributed to FASHION magazine, InStyle, the National MS Society’s Momentum Magazine, and others. She was named one of the top MS bloggers “in the universe” by feedspot.com, and Yahoo Lifestyle reported that @ms_trippingonair is the number one chronic illness account to follow on Instagram. Tripping On Air is the subject of a 2019 WebMD documentary short.

With an international reach and reputation, Ardra’s culture-changing voice is helping shape the way disability stories are told. Ardra wants the world to know that disability is different, but that it’s not that different, and it certainly isn’t ‘less-than’. Disability is just another way to be human.

A seasoned manager with more than thirty years of experience in business and politics, Karl Blackburn has been President and Chief Executive Officer of the Conseil du patronat du Québec since June 2020. Prior to joining the CPQ, Mr. Blackburn served as Senior Director, Public Affairs and Government Relations for Canada at Resolute Forest Products after a political career with the Quebec Liberal Party. He is very active in making the issues of Quebec employers heard regarding the current and future needs of the labor market. In addition to occupying a central place in the Quebec business ecosystem, Karl Blackburn is actively involved in social matters. He sits on numerous boards of directors, including Forces Avenir and the Quebec Cancer Foundation. In December 2022, he was invited to join the Disability Inclusion Business Council created by Employment and Social Development Canada.

François Bernier is a passionate and determined entrepreneur, who places people at the heart of his priorities. Despite a physical disability, François knew how to transform challenges into opportunities, forging a solid academic career in management and business strategy at HEC Montréal. As the founder of Horizon B2B, he has made it his mission to help companies achieve their goals and inspire individuals to overcome the obstacles that stand between them and realizing their dreams.

Beyond his role as an entrepreneur, François is a fervent defender of inclusion in the workplace. He supports companies in their inclusive hiring and successful integration of people with disabilities. His personal experience gives him a unique understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by diversity and inclusion.

François' story is living proof that anything is possible with determination and resilience. Speaking at this conference on inclusion, he will share his experiences and advice to help businesses and individuals unlock their potential, overcome obstacles and achieve the impossible.

Janice Fennell brings almost two decades of experience as an accessibility advocate and champion. She is a trusted leader in the college sector and has advised on provincial legislation, standards, and policies aimed at improving rights and opportunities for persons with disabilities, including students. In her current role as Director, Accessible Learning & Inclusion at Sheridan College, Janice provides strategic leadership and vision to the ongoing development and delivery of programs and supports for Accessible Learning, The Centre for Indigenous Learning & Support, and Positive Space for 2SLGBTQ++ students.

Janice is a subject matter expert on critical disability issues, accessibility legislation, assistive technology, and inclusive education practices.  Janice has a M.A. in Critical Disability Studies and a PhD. in Education from York University. Janice recently contributed as a member and team lead for the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) - Postsecondary Education Standards Development Committee. Additionally, Janice currently participates as a member of several advisory bodies including Sheridan Advisory Council, Sheridan’s Inclusive Communities Advisory Board, Advisory Council on Sheridan Accessibility, and David C. Onley Initiative (DCOI) 2.0. In her spare time Janice likes to mentor youth, read, golf, and spend time with family.

Representing the full Canadian Chamber of Commerce network

Anita Huberman is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Surrey Board of Trade. The Surrey Board of Trade is one of the Top 10 Boards of Trade/Chambers of Commerce in Canada. Anita has served at the Surrey Board of Trade for 29 years in a variety of roles.

Anita has been awarded the Queen Elizabeth Jubilee Medal named one of 15 outstanding Canadians for her work in the private sector and during the pandemic, and is an Honorary Captain of the Royal Canadian Navy Anita also was: a Business in Vancouver Top 40 Under 40 award winner, and awarded the 2019 Surrey Community Builder of the Year Anita serves on the Board of Directors for the Forum for International Trade Training (FITT) Premier’s Economic Recovery Task Force Simon Fraser University’s President’s Advisory CouncilSimon Fraser University’s India Advisory Council, and OMNITV Advisory Council

Anita is a Director for the University of British Columbia India-Canada Impacts Research Centre, anda highly visible advocate for businesses with a demonstrated history of evolving, reinvigorating and transforming civic, business and social organization industries Anita also served as a Trustee of Canada’s National Film Board for 6 years, appointed by Canada’s Minister of Heritage.

The Honourable Carla Qualtrough was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Delta in 2015.She has served as Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion since 2019.Minister Qualtrough has previously served as Minister of Accessibility, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, and Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities.A successful lawyer, dedicated volunteer, and Paralympic swimmer, Minister Qualtrough is a strong advocate for Delta, with a commitment to addressing inequality and championing diversity.Committed to equity and inclusion, Minister Qualtrough has practised human rights law at the federal and provincial levels.She chaired the Minister’s Council on Employment and Accessibility in British Columbia, and was an adjudicator with the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Tribunal.

Passionate about the power of sport and physical activity to change lives, Minister Qualtrough has volunteered locally, nationally, and internationally, including with the International Paralympic Committee and for the Toronto 2015 Pan and Parapan American Games.She has been President of the Canadian Paralympic Committee and Chair of the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada.She was also on the Board of the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport, and was Vice-Chair of the Delta Gymnastics Society.As an athlete, Minister Qualtrough won three Paralympic and four World Championship medals.Minister Qualtrough has degrees in political science from the University of Ottawa and in law from the University of Victoria.Among many awards for her work, she has been named one of Canada’s Most Influential Women in Sport numerous times, and received a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.

At a young age, Rosalie developed a passion for visual arts. In 2004, she made her first television appearance performing a classical dance solo in a tribute to Kent Nagano. But it was on the show LE MATCH DES ÉTOILES with her mother Marie-Josée Taillefer that the public discovered her. Both then became ambassadors for the “Réseau de l’enseignement de la danse” (Dance Teaching Network).

Born profoundly deaf, her first mode of communication was in Langue des signes québécoise (Quebec sign language). Thanks to a cochlear implant, she has developed remarkable autonomy in communication. For three years, she was the face of closed captioning for the ARTV.

Enchanted by colors and scenography, Rosalie completed a Diploma of College Studies (DSC) and a Baccalaureate at the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) in visual and media arts. She still pursues her own art as a painter. She mounted two solo exhibitions in Montreal, in 2015 and 2018.

In 2016, invited to “Tout le monde en parle” (Everybody’s talking about it), accompanied by her father René Simard, she won over the public with her enthusiasm and candor. In a most moving father-daughter duo, Rosalie traveled across Quebec with the “Nouveau rêve” tour starring René Simard.

In 2017, she gave presentations with her mother Marie-Josée Taillefer entitled “Taillefer et fille, relever un défi” (Taillefer and Daughter, Taking on a Challenge).

She then revealed her talents as a host with “Mission accessible” on Ami-télé and became an actress in the CLASH series produced by Fabienne Larouche on Vrak Télé in 2018-19.

For two years, we have been able appreciate her sense of humor in the LOL series produced by ComediHa.

In 2020, Rosalie met Premier François Legault, following her publication of an awareness video on wearing transparent masks to help the hearing impaired. The video got over a million views on social media.

In 2021, she becomes spokesperson for the major awareness campaign for the “Office des personnes handicapées
du Québec” (Office for Persons with Disabilities
of Quebec).

In 2022, Rosalie hosted with her mother Marie-Josée Taillefer the show “Des familles comme les autres” (Families like others) on Ami-télé with the aim of normalizing difference.

Without formal drama training but a true love for both dance and drama Nicholas has embraced all performance opportunities offered to him in movies and on the stage. Nick also produces and stars in his own online talk show entitled “Keeping it Real With Nick” on the Disability Network and was the Creative Director for an animated short called Freebird that was long listed for a 2022 Academy Award along with winning 35 international awards. Added to Nicholas’s acting passion is his love of artwork. Again, without formal training Nicholas has taken to canvas, inspiring elements in his life. With a large portfolio of paintings Nicholas applied and was accepted to present and sell his artwork at the 2012, 2013 and 2015 Cobourg Waterfront Festival and participated in several art exhibits with L’Arche Toronto. Aside from Nicholas’s artistic side he is also an avid advocate for persons with Down syndrome and has shared his opinion and personal stories at several events and conferences.

As the Executive Director, Healthcare Transformation and Capacity Building, Denise works to enable healthcare leaders and teams across Canada to enhance their ability to make improvements and to sustain them. Denise leads a team providing a focus for subject matter expertise and knowledge translation in key areas of Healthcare Excellence Canada’s mandate, such as patient safety and lived experience of patients, caregivers, and communities. Denise also lends her leadership to our team-based executive training program EXTRA and focus on leadership and governance.

Prior to joining Healthcare Excellence Canada, Denise worked at Interior Health as Director of Aboriginal Health and Mental Health and Addictions - Thompson, Cariboo. Her experience in healthcare leadership lends itself to understanding systems knowledge. Her lived experience as a Métis woman, patient and caregiver supports her passion for justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. Denise previously supported the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement as an Indigenous coach and has supported Healthcare Excellence Canada since its inception as an Indigenous advisor.

Denise has been recognized for her many years of leadership in the not-for-profit sector with a Champion Mental Health Award from the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH). Closer to home in Kamloops, British Columbia, the YMCA awarded Denise with a Woman of Distinction Award. 

On March 3, 2021, Tina Namiesniowski assumed the role of Senior Associate Deputy Minister at Employment and Social Development Canada. In addition, the Clerk appointed her Deputy Minister Champion for Employees with Disabilities in the Federal Public Service effective November 29, 2022.

Ms. Namiesniowski has spent more than 30 years in the federal government. Throughout her career, she has accumulated a wide range of experience in policy, programs and operations and has a passion for public service.

Prior to arriving at ESDC, Tina worked in 8 different federal organizations, with the last 20 years at the executive level. She spent time in central agencies, including Privy Council Office as Assistant Secretary, Operations Secretariat, and line departments. Her program experience stems from her work as Director General, Multiculturalism and Human Rights at Canadian Heritage and as Assistant Deputy Minister with Programs Branch at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. She also served as Strategic Policy Assistant Deputy Minister, Public Safety Canada and Assistant Deputy Minister, Markets and Industry Services Branch at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. At the deputy level, she was most recently Executive Vice-President at the Canada Border Services Agency, following which she was President of the Public Health Agency of Canada during the biggest public health crisis of the century.

Tina’s career has greatly deepened her understanding of Canada, the citizens we serve and our contribution globally. She knows first-hand the stresses that organizations face in times of peril, what it takes to rise to the challenge and the importance of innovation. She is committed to service, policy and program excellence as well as continuous improvement. She cares deeply about people, diversity, inclusion, mental health and well-being.

Tina holds a bachelor of arts in political science and history from Carleton University. She also holds a master of arts in political science, with a concentration in strategic studies and international relations from Dalhousie University.

She is married and has 3 children.

African Women Acting (AWA) is a non-for-profit organization geared towards empowering, preserving and promoting women issues & the heritage of African culture through African arts of all modalities in Ontario. African Women Acting is building accessible programs such as drumming circle that includes people on wheelchairs and dance classes. They are also building accessible washrooms and accessible stove in the community kitchen.

The Canadian Administrator of Video Relay Services (CAV) is a federally regulated not-for-profit telecommunication services company with a mandate to design, implement, and oversee the delivery of Video Relay Services (VRS) in Canada. VRS enables Deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired Canadians who use American Sign Language (ASL) and Langues des signes Québécoise (LSQ) to connect with voice telephone users via video through sign language interpreters. Canada VRS connects people and CAV’s current project, Access is Opportunity, is working with institutions, across industries, to set up designated accessibility numbers to allow Deaf and hard of hearing callers to reach trained customer service agents and to make accessibility via VRS easier than ever.

The CN Tower is Canada’s most recognizable landmark, it is also one of the most inclusive and accessible. Accessibility has been among the highest priorities for Canada Lands Company and the CN Tower, and their journey to achieving Gold-level accessibility certification from the Rick Hansen Foundation reflects that. Getting there has included the renovation in 2018 of the Main Observation Level, which saw the installation of floor-to-ceiling window walls and removal of barriers of access to the view that were a feature of the Tower’s original construction. The work has also included the addition of high-contrast signage, railing retrofitting, ensuring menus for the Tower’s 360 Restaurant are available in Braille, the installation of automatic doors, and accessible washrooms throughout the facility, to name just a few features.

An extensive renovation of the Tower’s Lower Observation Level, which is currently underway, will further enhance accessibility throughout the site. Renovations are conducted in consultation with accessibility experts. Ensuring the building is accessible and inclusive means that everyone can feel welcome visiting the Tower.

March of Dimes Canada has partnered with Microsoft and CIBC to build a people-centric and tech-enabled solution to open up opportunities for Canadians living with a disability. The SkillingUp program is designed to build digital equity for Canadians living with a disability by creating free access to the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital economy. The program provides free access to learning pathways and credentials that are designed to meet people where they are on their skill-building journey, from digital literacy to advanced technical certification. Learners can obtain industry-recognized certificates and Microsoft certifications for in-demand tech and tech-enabled roles improving their overall employability and financial stability. Learners have access to mentorships, networking activities, and employment resources as part of this employment program.

Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification (RHFAC) is an innovative rating system that encourages meaningful access in the built environment. An RHFAC rating goes beyond compliance with building code or adherence to minimum standards or guidelines and provides a snapshot of the real level of accessibility of a site along with recommendations for areas of improvement. Site owners or managers can use this information to make positive changes that will help to ensure all users of their facilities feel welcome.

Scotiabank: Ensuring that digital products and services are inclusive for their customers with disabilities can be a complicated endeavor in a large organization. However, with the right combination of systems, tools, scalable processes, training, commitment to inclusion and skillsets, it can be accomplished. At Scotiabank, their multidisciplinary accessibility and Global design system teams guide digital initiatives from discovery to final release, helping to bake accessibility and digital inclusion into every step. Their accessibility team empowers digital initiative teams to take accountability for the accessibility of their products at every milestone through a combination of a roles-based training program, dedicated support from a subject matter expert throughout the software development life cycle, access to relevant tools, self-serve resources, and scalable foundational processes.

A fervent champion of universal accessibility and quadriplegic, Isabelle Ducharme encourages people with disabilities to explore the world and urges members of the tourism and culture industries to provide more accessible services. As a speaker and volunteer with advocacy organizations like Kéroul and DAWN Canada, she has made accessibility a hot topic nationally and internationally.

Originally from Montreal, Catherine Langlois has been working in the field of accessibility, more specifically in the rail sector, for nearly 10 years. Building on her experience as Universal Accessibility and Paratransit Coordinator at the “Agence métropolitaine de transport” (Metropolitan Transport Agency) (now “exo”), Catherine joined the ranks of VIA Rail in 2018 as a Senior Advisor of Universal Accessibility. In addition to her professional activities, Catherine has represented CUTA for almost 5 years on the Board of Directors of the Colloquium on the transport of persons with disabilities and she now represents VIA Rail Canada within the International Union of Railways in the working group on universal accessibility.

Kevin Penny has been a resident of Halifax Nova Scotia since 1995. In 1991 at the age of 15, Kevin was in a bicycle accident and as a result suffered a spinal cord injury which resulted in paralysis from the chest down. Through perseverance and determination, as well as community and family support, Kevin graduated from Horton District High School in 1995 and continued his post-secondary education at St. Mary's University. In 2000, Kevin earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a major in Small Business Management & Entrepreneurship and currently works as the Manager of Post-Secondary Accessibility for the Department of Advanced Education in Nova Scotia.

Through professional and personal endeavors, Kevin has become well-versed in issues that affect persons with cross-disabilities. This includes areas such as education, employment, accessibility, and recreation.

As a person with a severe physical disability, Kevin has travelled to over thirty countries over the past 25 years. Although travelling is challenging for Kevin, he continues to explore the globe and while doing so, promotes accessibility.

During the panel discussion, Kevin will draw on his first-hand travel experiences while providing suggestions for improving transportation for persons with disabilities.

Kerianne Wilson comes from a family of aviation enthusiasts, counting two aerospace engineers, a pilot, a radio operator for PanAm and now an aviation lawyer. After working as a litigator at a major Canadian law firm, she completed a Masters of Air & Space Law at McGill University and joined Air Canada’s Legal Department in 2015. She is passionate about accessible air travel throughout the travel journey: from communication to facilities to services. She was the inaugural Chair of the IATA Accessibility Working Group, and the Co-Chair of the IATA Mobility Aids Action Group. She is the current Vice-Chair of the IATA Accessibility Working Group.

Dr James Makokis and Anthony Johnson, a Two-Spirit couple, became the first Indigenous, Two-Spirit couple to win The Amazing Race Canada. They used their platform to confront stereotypes, homophobia, ignorance, and racism and to raise awareness of issues faced by Indigenous Peoples in Canada and around the world. The couple grew up in segregated First Nation communities and had to navigate challenges as Two-Spirit at an early age. Dr Makokis is a Nehiyô Two-Spirit doctor and Associate Clinical Professor, while Johnson is an artist and public speaker. They continue to advocate for social and community programs and to revitalize Traditional Cree birthing practices, medicines, and ceremonies.

The Mayday Club Youth Choir is a grassroots youth-run charity based out of Abbotsford BC, that aims to erase the stigmas surrounding neurodiversity and help neuro and gender-diverse youth across BC make real friendships and gain valuable real-life skills through arts.

Robert Bhola is a Canadian/Trinidadian actor, performer, script writer, digital creator and founder of 258 Signs Productions Inc. In 2019, he set a resolution for himself to create artist interpretations of music in sign language. Since then, his journey has blossomed into new opportunities to create and develop art through sign language. He has written, directed, and produced a variety of ASL projects.

Robert is a sign language interpretation artist who brings the emotions of music to life through visually mastered renditions of songs from all genres. Robert is immersed in Deaf culture and community. He is a hard of hearing CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) with 5 Deaf children and works with Deaf youth. He has worked as an ASL coach and instructor for over a decade and taught both children and adults. Lyric interpretation has long been a passion for Robert. Having reached over 100,000 collective views on his videos to date, he hopes that his YouTube channel and social media handle 258 Signs merges music with the Deaf/Hard-of -Hearing world.

Since 2019, Robert has been involved with Deaf Spirit Theatre, the Sound Off Theatre Festival, and the Toronto Fringe Festival. Recently one of the finalists of the 2021 MAP playwright festival, He continues to expand his portfolio through collaboration on various stage productions and online performances. With his creative artistic interpretations, Robert hopes to continue to spread awareness of Deaf culture through American Sign Language to everyone.

258Signs Productions Inc.

258 (Very Interesting) Signs Productions Inc. strives to champion diverse Deaf Artists across Canada. We focus on Deaf theatre, ASL Musical Artistry, and highlighting Deaf talent in a variety of art forms. Our recent theatre production “Fernando and his Llama” partnered with Dancing Hands Theatre, garnered heartfelt positive reviews across the GTA in addition to performances in Edmonton, Alberta at the Sound Off Festival. In addition to our programming, we offer a variety of services to bridge the Deaf and hearing communities through professional ASL-acting consultations, musical interpretation, and accessibility consultations for theatre groups.

Originally from Garden Hill First Nation, born blind, and growing up surrounded by music, Mattmac quickly found it to be an effective coping mechanism and took to singing in his community’s gospel choir. From there, he started making beats and writing songs, teaching himself how to play piano and guitar along the way. He attributes his competencies to the support of the Bling & Famous group — a USA-based collective of blind music artists who collaborate and connect with one another through the internet.

Mattmac debuted his entry to the music scene in 2016 when N’we Jinan, a traveling music studio program, visited his community and invited him to collaborate on a project. Pulling inspiration from his personal story, they created a song and video titled “Help You See” that has received over 250,000 views on YouTube and Facebook. From there, Mattmac has connected with International artist Nelly Furtado and performed alongside her at Indigenous Day Live and We Day Canada Day in 2017; they continue to work together.

In 2020, his debut music project, “20/20” catapulted Mattmac’s music and story into the national limelight, landing him on CTV National News and all major media outlets. His debut single, “Paradise”, reached #1 on the Indigenous Music Countdown and top 50 on the mediabase charts. In 2021, he won the Broadcast Dialogue Emerging Artist Radio Award and took home the Rap/Electronic Album Of The Year at the Summer Solstice Indigenous Music Awards. Mattmac hopes to continue to use his platform to inspire others to know that they can accomplish anything they set their mind to.

Canada’s first Chief Accessibility Officer

Stephanie Cadieux is a change leader, an advocate for diversity, accessibility, disability inclusion and an entrepreneur with more than 15 years of experience in planning and leadership roles.
Her four-year appointment as the Government of Canada’s Chief Accessibility Officer began on May 2, 2022.
Before her appointment, Ms. Cadieux was a member of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia from 2009 to 2022. She was the Minister of Children and Family Development from 2012 to 2017, and between 2010 and 2012, held various positions, including Minister of Social Development; Minister of Labour, Citizens’ Services and Open Government; and Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development.
Prior to her engagement in provincial politics, Ms. Cadieux was the director of marketing and public relations for the BC Paraplegic Association from 2004 until 2009. She was also the provincial peer coordinator for this organization from 2001 until 2004.

Ms. Cadieux is a member of the disability community, using a wheelchair since the age of 18. Her lived experience allows her to have a deep understanding of accessibility issues faced by people with disabilities.

Dr. Hunter-Zaworski is both a Rehabilitation and Transportation Engineer. She is president of K.M. Hunter-Zaworski, LLC a consultancy that is focused on accessible transportation research and litigation. During her 40-year career in academia, she has authored numerous journal papers and served as principal investigator for dozens of studies on improving bus, rail, and airline accessibility for persons with disabilities; wheelchair securement and restraint in public transportation vehicles; and the barriers and safety risks for transportation-disadvantaged air travelers. She has worked on making train and aircraft lavatories more accessible. Her recent research projects include the safe transport of large wheeled mobility devices on single aisle aircraft for the Canadian Transportation Agency, escalator falls for the ACRP Synthesis program, and occupant protection of vulnerable populations on public transportation and passenger rail vehicles. She was a member of the U.S. Committee on Wheelchair Restraints in Aircraft. Dr. Hunter-Zaworski is the past co-chair and emeritus member of the TRB Committee on Accessible Transportation and Mobility (ABE60). She earned a B.A.Sc. in mechanical engineering from the University of British Columbia, M.S. in engineering science and mechanics from the University of Tennessee, and Ph.D. in civil engineering from Oregon State University. She is an emeritus associate professor of transportation, and a retired registered Professional Engineer in Oregon.

Alyson Prado Wolf is a Mechanical Engineer qualified by the State University of Maringa with professional experience in vehicle specification and inspection for public transport. Acting as Mechanical Engineer and Coordinator at URBS since 2015, Alyson is responsible for defining specification for the entrance of new vehicles, assuring conformity of the technical specification during vehicle lifetime and testing new technologies. His contribution to the Congress is connected to the expertise related to the specification of accessible vehicles for the use of the population of Curitiba.

Michael S. Mulvey, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Marketing at the Telfer School of Management, University of Ottawa, and a researcher at the LIFE Research Institute. His research focuses on marketing, retailing, and branding, emphasizing understanding and managing the meanings that influence consumer decision-making. He has worked on developing methods for measuring, comparing, and visualizing brand associations and examining activities that enhance the quality of life, such as travel and leisure. Additionally, his research promotes consumer inclusion, empowerment, and protection. For details: https://sites.google.com/site/profmulvey/

Cathy Nyfors is Manager, Passenger Programs for Vancouver Airport Authority (YVR – Vancouver International Airport). She joined YVR in 2008 as Manager, Customer Care and then moved to the role of Manager, Passenger Programs. Cathy graduated from Simon Fraser University and prior to joining the YVR team she worked in the banking sector. She has over 20 years of experience in management, operations and guest experience design and delivery. Cathy and the YVR team are passionate about ensuring we are delivering a positive, inclusive and welcoming experience for everyone.

Deliani Poetriayu Siregar joined ITDP in 2015 after she graduated from Urban and Regional Planning at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). She developed her expertise in Non-motorized transport (NMT) and transit-oriented development (TOD)-related issues and worked on numerous projects related to street designs in Karachi, Baku, Semarang, Medan, and Jakarta. In 2019, she took one year left to pursue her master’s degree in Urban Design and City Planning at University College London (UCL), focusing on women's and children’s mobility as her main projects during the study period. Deliani is now responsible for the project coordination and field supervision of activities within all projects from GEDSI (Gender Equity, Disability, and Social Inclusion) perspectives, including GEDSI in Indonesia's e-mobility.

The Honourable Carla Qualtrough was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Delta in 2015.She has served as Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion since 2019.Minister Qualtrough has previously served as Minister of Accessibility, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, and Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities.A successful lawyer, dedicated volunteer, and Paralympic swimmer, Minister Qualtrough is a strong advocate for Delta, with a commitment to addressing inequality and championing diversity.Committed to equity and inclusion, Minister Qualtrough has practised human rights law at the federal and provincial levels.She chaired the Minister’s Council on Employment and Accessibility in British Columbia, and was an adjudicator with the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Tribunal.

Passionate about the power of sport and physical activity to change lives, Minister Qualtrough has volunteered locally, nationally, and internationally, including with the International Paralympic Committee and for the Toronto 2015 Pan and Parapan American Games.She has been President of the Canadian Paralympic Committee and Chair of the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada.She was also on the Board of the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport, and was Vice-Chair of the Delta Gymnastics Society.As an athlete, Minister Qualtrough won three Paralympic and four World Championship medals.Minister Qualtrough has degrees in political science from the University of Ottawa and in law from the University of Victoria.Among many awards for her work, she has been named one of Canada’s Most Influential Women in Sport numerous times, and received a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.