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The Compounding Effects of Ableism, Heterosexism, and Transphobia in Higher Education: A Discussion Between Student Activists with Intersecting Identities

Join the National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS) on July 5th, from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm ET, via Zoom, for a panel on the complex realities of students with intersecting disability and sexual identities! This webinar is part of our Virtual Access for All project with contributions funding support from the Government of Canada.

Navigating higher education as disabled students is challenging and often has multiple layers when advocating for access needs to be met – not only within the classroom, but also beyond it. In the first week of Disability Pride Month, NEADS will facilitate a dialogue between disabled student activists with diverse and intersecting identities to discuss the challenges that occur in higher education. Speakers will be announced soon.

This panel will explore the complexities that may occur for students with diverse and intersecting disability, gender, and sexual identities, when navigating the intricacies of higher education – both within the classroom and beyond. Panelists will specifically discuss the availability of resources and/or services (or lack thereof) that address needs in relation to their identities. Finally, this panel will be used to reflect on the diverse experiences of students with disability, gender, and sexual identities – and ultimately propose steps to further the access and inclusion of higher education.

Meet the Speakers

Logan Wong BSW, MSW RSW

Logan Wong (he/him) identifies as a trans, bi-racial, Autistic wheelchair user. Logan is a social worker & equity, anti-racism, anti-oppression, & accessibility professional where he works in supporting the creation, implementation, and sustainability of diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace cultures through conducting needs assessments, identifying skills gaps, developing, and executing training programs and initiatives. In his upcoming new role in the equity, diversity, inclusion decolonization, and indigenization department at the CHILD-BRIGHT Network Logan will use his deep understanding of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) frameworks, principles, advocacy, and policy to provide leadership and guidance to ensure compliance with Human Rights and Accessibility legislation and best practices.

Jay Baldwin, Carleton University Women and Gender Studies Student

Jay Baldwin (they/them) is a 23 year old passionate, BA honours student, activist and advocate, majoring in Women and Gender Studies with minors in both Human Rights and Social Justice and Disability Studies at Canada’s Capital University, known as Carleton University. Jay plans to graduate with their undergraduate degree and get their master’s in Women and Gender Studies with a Specialization in Accessibility. This plan will aid them to achieve their dream of starting their own non-governmental organization that will provide support for those who are disabled, queer and marginalized in their community, while working to make the world a better and more accessible place for everyone. Make way for the powerhouse named Jay!

Calvin Prowse, York University Critical Disability Studies Student

Calvin Prowse (they/them) is a white Mad, disabled, and chronically ill/pained queer MA student in the Critical Disability Studies program at York University, an alum of McMaster University, and a settler on lands governed by the Dish with One Spoon Treaty. Their current research is centred on critically (re)imagining the possible futures of mental health peer support through an analysis of history, futurity, storytelling, and fungi.

Becca Bernard, Social Service Worker Student

Becca Bernard (they/them) is a disabled, non-binary, and pansexual post-secondary student pursuing their Social Service Worker Diploma. Becca works with Holland Bloorview and Erinoak Kids to empower fellow disabled youth to self-advocate in healthcare settings and runs the “Disabled Queer and Fabulous” FaceBook group. Their research revolves around the intersecting oppression of disabled and queer communities, cross-community allyship, and empowering other disability advocates to share their truths.
 
Registration for this event is mandatory. Please register through Zoom here. 

For further information and/or to discuss access needs, please contact Chloée C. Godin-Jacques, panel facilitator, at chloee.godinjacques@neads.ca 

Note on access needs: ASL interpretation and closed captioning will be provided at this event.

About NEADS’ Virtual Access for All Project

NEADS' Virtual Access for All Project provides educational support and awareness aimed at students with disabilities transitioning into post-secondary education. Accessibility and accommodations resources are provided through our quarterly State of the Schools publications, while our regular webinar series addresses topics such as self-advocacy, accessing accommodations at work and school, and transitioning into the workforce. Further, financial support is available through NEADS' Student Awards Program and Accessibility Resilience Program. Virtual Access for All is generously supported by Employment and Social Development Canada's Supports for Student Learning Program (Goal Getters), and has recently received an upward amendment in response to positive reception.

Chloée C. Godin-Jacques, M.A (she/they | elle/iel)
Education & Research Consultant | Consultante en éducation et recherche, National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS)
Rm. 514 Unicentre, Carleton University
Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6

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