Integrating a Disability Lens in Public Policy

With Annette Powell 

Thursday, June 11, 2015, 12:00 pm
Nagles Place, Suncor Fluvarium, Pippy Park

 

About this Session

Over 59,000 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians self-identify as a person with a disability. However, accessibility in our public and private services/spheres is limited and in many cases non-existent. By applying a disability lens to public policy we could positively impact our province’s finances as well as the quality of life for many of its citizens. In this presentation, we will share with you real-life examples & strategies of how integrating accessibility within policy development is a win-win for everyone. Businesses, government, taxpayers, and people with disabilities can all benefit when accessibility is the standard.

Annette Powell is the Employer Supports Facilitator for Inclusion NL with the Independent Living Resource Centre (ILRC). She develops and facilitates workshops on creating inclusive work environments for employees with disabilities. Topics include: recruitment; inclusion; disability awareness; and employee accommodations. She earned a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology from Memorial University. As a woman with an acquired disability, she has gained insight into the gap that exists between people with disabilities and people without disabilities when trying to access employment opportunities and various services. Annette works passionately to raise awareness around the barriers to full participation in our society.