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Founding Frank: Q & A with Frank Smith, National Coordinator, National Educational Association of Disabled Students

April 22nd, 2022

Algonquin Anishinabe Territory / Ottawa, ON

Join the National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS) on June 24th at 12pm EST as we let Frank loose to discuss his 36 years with NEADS - from its founding to today! Hosted by NEADS' Research Consultant of 12 years, Elizabeth Mohler, we're asking our National Coordinator Frank Smith all about the highs and lows, challenges and accomplishments, and future directions of the organization. Always one to put others before himself and shy away from the spotlight, we're letting Frank loose and giving him the appreciation he deserves - whether he likes it or not!

Closed captioning will be provided. Registration is required - please register here. This event is a feature of our Virtual Access for All webinar series, generously supported by Employment and Social Development Canada.

Frank Smith, National Coordinator

Frank Smith is the National Coordinator of the National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS), a position he has held since 1986 when the group was founded. NEADS is the only non-governmental organization of its type in Canada that represents post-secondary students and graduates with disabilities, with a mandate to support full access to college and university education nationally. Frank has worked with the NEADS team and partners in conducting and publishing groundbreaking research into access and accommodation issues as they apply in Canada’s colleges and universities. He has assisted in event planning for national conferences and regional forums across Canada that have dealt with a range of issues including, but not limited to: disabled student advocacy, the transition from school to work, financial aid/financial literacy. Frank, who holds a Bachelor of Journalism degree from Carleton University, collaborates with the NEADS Board of Directors across Canada. He has been a recipient of the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal (2003) and was recognized as one of the "Top 25 People in Capital" by Ottawa Life Magazine in 2014.

Elizabeth Mohler, Research Consultant

Elizabeth Mohler currently works for NEADS as a Research Consultant, where she leads the Virtual Access for All Project and writes its quarterly publication, State of the Schools. She also works for Ryerson Magnet as their Inclusive Hiring Project Coordinator, sits on the Education Standards Committee for the Ontario Government, and is an experienced presenter, keynote speaker, lecturer, and published writer. Elizabeth is currently conducting Doctoral research at Western University, where she explores the impact of access to direct funding for self-managed attendant services on occupational performance and engagement of persons with disabilities.

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 Goal Getters Program, and has recently received an upward amendment in response to positive reception.

For more information:

National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS), Rm. 514 Unicentre, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6, tel. (613) 380-8065, ext. 201
 
Carly Fox, Researcher and Communications Officer
carly.fox@neads.ca

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