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Four Decades of Dedication: Celebrating Frank Smith’s Contributions to NEADS

 

Ottawa, Ontario, November 2nd, 2026

After 40 years of dedicated leadership, service, and meaningful contributions, the National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS) celebrates the remarkable career of National Coordinator Frank Smith, who l retired at the end of September 2026.Since NEADS was founded in 1986, Frank has played an instrumental role in advancing access to post-secondary education and employment for students and graduates with disabilities across Canada. His guidance, compassion, and commitment to disability advocacy have made a lasting difference to the organization and the communities it serves.Throughout his career, Frank has worked alongside generations of students, graduates, disability advocates, Board members, staff, and community partners. His leadership has helped strengthen NEADS and advance its mission of promoting equitable access to education and employment for people with disabilities.Reflecting on his four decades with the organization, Frank shares:

“A career with NEADS, from its foundation in 1986, has been such a great privilege and honour for me. I believe the organization has made significant accomplishments in supporting post-secondary students and graduates with disabilities, advocating for full access to college and university education and the employment market. I have loved collaborating with so many passionate and accomplished disability leaders who have served on the NEADS Board of Directors and staff. I feel an immense sense of pride at this moment.”

Frank has also expressed his confidence in Katja Newman, who will assume the role of National Coordinator on October 1, 2026. He highlighted her leadership experience, expertise in fund development and capacity building, and strong connections across Canada's disability and student communities.

 

A Lasting Impact on the NEADS Community

Frank’s influence extends beyond his many accomplishments. His passion for disability advocacy and his commitment to accessibility and inclusion have inspired colleagues and community members alike. His leadership has helped foster a culture of collaboration, compassion, and determination that will continue to shape NEADS in the years ahead.

Aliyah Petzak-Grant, IT Director at NEADS, reflects on the impact of working alongside Frank:

“Working with Frank has been a truly inspiring experience. His passion for disability advocacy, his unwavering dedication to NEADS, and his commitment to creating more accessible and inclusive opportunities for post-secondary students and graduates with disabilities have had a lasting impact on me and so many others. Frank leads by example, demonstrating the importance of compassion, collaboration, and perseverance in advancing meaningful change.It has been a privilege to work alongside him and witness firsthand the difference one person’s dedication can make. His influence extends beyond his many accomplishments; he has inspired those around him to continue pushing for greater accessibility, equity, and inclusion. As Frank begins this next chapter, I know the values he has championed and the legacy he leaves behind will continue to guide and inspire the NEADS community and the disability community as a whole  for years to come.”

NEADS is deeply grateful for Frank’s four decades of dedication and the lasting legacy he leaves behind. His contributions have helped shape the organization and strengthen disability advocacy in Canadian post-secondary education.Please join us in thanking Frank for his extraordinary service and wishing him a happy, healthy, and fulfilling retirement filled with rest, joy, and new experiences.

 

About the National Educational Association of Disabled Students

Since its founding in 1986, the National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS) has worked to advance full access to education and employment for post-secondary students and graduates with disabilities across Canada. We represent over 500,000 disabled students currently enrolled in colleges and universities across Canada, along with many more graduates with disabilities.

NEADS is a consumer-controlled, cross-disability charitable organization. We support our constituents through projects, resources, research, publications, and partnerships. NEADS is governed by a national Board of Directors representing every province and territory. The National Educational Association of Disabled Students centres its work through an intersectional lens, recognizing not only disability but also the many other identities that persons with disabilities bring to their experiences in post-secondary education and the labour market.

Our work as an organization focuses on three core strategic program areas:

    •    Disabled student experience in the classroom and on campus

    •    Disabled student and graduate employment

    •    Disabled student financial assistance to pursue post-secondary studies and reduce educational debt

 

For more information:

 

National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS)

Rm. 514  Nideyinàn, Carleton University

Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6, tel. (613) 380-8065, ext. 201

 

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