Inclusive Campuses: Empowering Accessibility, Disability and Neurodivergence

Join the Office of EDID this accessibility week, as we bring together students with disabilities, both visible and invisible, as well as the Dean of students for a panel discussion. This is a powerful way to promote inclusivity and understanding within your academic community. All students have unique perspectives and experiences that can profoundly impact how faculty and staff gain a deeper understanding of the barriers that students with disabilities may encounter, and how to address them effectively. Students will share their victories, as well as the obstacles they face, and how they have overcome them. Overall, the student panel provides an opportunity to foster empathy, promote advocacy, and cultivate a culture of inclusivity where all members of the King's community can thrive.

Panel: 

 

Maria Vargas – Maria is entering her third year at King's and is in the Childhood and Youth Studies program. She has idiopathic rheumatoid arthritis, as well as Lupus. "As a first-generation immigrant, I'm eager to make an impact!" Maria will bring the neurodivergent perspective, and what accommodations she requires to ensure she can complete all of her schoolwork.

 

 

Sarika Singodia – Sarika is in her final year of the two-year Master of Social Work program. Last year, Sarika was diagnosed with celiac disease, an autoimmune condition that is often misunderstood. Navigating this new condition has made her more aware of the challenges people face when struggling with dietary restrictions, whether for health or other reasons.

 

 

Dan Edwards - Dan is in his third year of the Bachelor of Social Work program at King’s. Dan will discuss what it is like living and navigating post-secondary education and campus with a physical disability.

 

 

Jill Beretta –  Jill is a part-time mature student and full-time mom. She is in the Childhood and Youth Studies program at King’s. “I am a hearing-impaired individual, having experienced severe hearing loss beginning in early childhood. I want to share my story of navigating university life with deafness.”

 

 

Joe Henry, Dean of Students - Dean Joe Henry will talk about the services and supports Accessibility, Counselling, and Student Development (ACSD) offers students, and how they help students with accommodations on campus.

RSVP for accommodations if needed, such as an ASL Interpreter.