This Check for Understanding question will help you reflect and apply your learning from the session you attended at Conference Week 2021. It will also confirm your attendance in the same.

Session Description and Speaker Bio

The aim of this session is to discuss the challenges faced by disabled students within the Ontario education system. The presenter will use a combination of scholarly research and her own lived experience as a physically disabled person to explore the various attitudinal, systemic, and physical barriers that students are required to navigate while balancing academic responsibilities. Finally, the session will also provide attendees with practical knowledge/suggestions about what they can do as educators to not only assist students with unique needs as they work at achieving successful learning outcomes, but also how to create an inclusive environment which allows disabled students to fully participate in all aspects of school life.

This session will be presented by Melissa Brideau who is currently in the process of completing her PhD in the Faculty of Education within the Critical Policy, Equity, and Leadership Studies academic and research cluster.   Melissa previously graduated from Kings University College with both a Master’s and a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. She has worked for several years as a disability advocate helping individuals with diverse needs access crucial supports and services to increase their independence/ improve health and well-being. Presently, her research interests are in the areas of higher education and the barriers experienced by physically disabled students within the academy.