Breaking Accessibility Barriers: Disability is a Superpower
Acknowledgement of Land
We begin by acknowledging that we are gathered on the treaty and traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, and the Huron-Wendat and Wyandot Nations. The territory is covered by Treaty 13, known as the Toronto Purchase, and the Ajetance Purchase (Treaty 19). This land has been a place of gathering for Indigenous communities since time immemorial.As we reflect on this year’s inaugural theme, “Breaking Accessibility Barriers: Disability is a Superpower,” we recognize that Indigenous communities have long practiced ways of living that honoured interdependence and community care. Colonialism disrupted these systems, replacing them with structures that excluded both Indigenous voices and the lived experiences of people with disabilities. These systems often imposed rigid definitions of ability and productivity rooted in racism and colonialism.Today, Indigenous peoples and persons with disabilities continue to face systemic barriers that limit access to culturally safe supports, accessible workplaces, and spaces free of discrimination. These barriers are not accidental — they are the legacy of colonialism, racism, and discrimination against people with disabilities. As union members, it is our responsibility to acknowledge how these systems of oppression intersect and continue to shape the realities of our members and communities.Breaking down accessibility barriers means naming discrimination and colonialism, challenging the stereotypes and structures that silence marginalized voices, and creating space for Indigenous knowledge and the lived experiences of people with disabilities. It also means advocating for equity, inclusion, and representation in our workplaces and in the broader labour movement.Let this acknowledgment guide us in our discussions and actions throughout this inaugural conference as we strive to build a stronger, more inclusive, and more equitable future for all.Statement of Respect
Harassment or discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated at OPSEU/SEFPO functions.Whenever OPSEU/SEFPO members gather, we welcome all peoples of the world. We will not accept any unwelcoming words, actions or behaviours against our union members.We accord respect to all persons, regardless of age, creed, political affiliation and racialization including and not limited to People of African descent, Black, Caribbean, South Asian, Asian, women, men, First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, members of ethno-racial groups, people with disabilities, gays, lesbians, bisexual, trans, two-spirit, and gender diverse persons, Francophones and all persons whose first language is not English.In our diversity we will build solidarity as union members.If you believe that you are being harassed or discriminated against contact Nathalie Rondeau or Matthew Da Silva for immediate assistance.Message from JP & Laurie
Welcome to the first Disability Rights Caucus conference! This event is focused on a powerful theme – Breaking Accessibility Barriers: Disability is a Superpower.We extend our gratitude to the members of OPSEU/SEFPO’s Disability Rights Caucus (DRC) for the important work you do year-round to make our union, our public services, and our society more inclusive and accessible.Every time we gather to reflect, learn and build allyship with one another, we grow stronger. That strength is instrumental to our ability to effect meaningful, long-term progress. And in that fight for progress, we must ensure that no one is left behind.Our union has a long way to go to ensure that barriers to inclusion are removed from our union spaces, but we are committed to working together with the DRC to do this important work. This conference is a significant step forward to expanding inclusion, and we look forward to many more to come!While you unite this weekend, know that you have the support of your union behind you as you shine light on structural cracks, push the margins of society’s limitations, and take hold of your power.In solidarity,JP Hornick, OPSEU/SEFPO PresidentLaurie Nancekivell, OPSEU/SEFPO First Vice-President/TreasurerAgenda
Friday, September 12, 2025
4:00 to 7:00 PM: Registration (Hawthorn Hall)6:00 PM: Smudging Ceremony (Hawthorn Hall)7:00 to 7:30 PM: Land Acknowledgement, Statement of Respect, Conference Welcome and Logistics, Meet the DRC, Explanation of Card Game (Hawthorn Hall)7 :30 to 9 :00 PM: Doc & Talk: Screening of Silent Voices with a fireside chat with Dr. Crystal Garvey, PhD and Tasha Riley (Hawthorn Hall)9:00 PM Wrap-up and Adjournment (Hawthorn Hall)5:30 to 9:30 PM: Childcare (Alderwood Room)7:00 to 9:30 PM: Wellness Room (Beech Room)7:00 to 9:30 PM: Observance Room (Birch Room)Saturday, September 13, 2025
8:00 to 9:00 AM: Registration (Breakfast not provided) (Hawthorn Hall)9:00 to 9:10 AM: Morning Announcements (Hawthorn Hall)9:15 to 9:30 AM: Opening Remarks and Welcome from OPSEU/SEFPO President, JP Hornick and OPSEU/SEFPO First Vice-President/Treasurer, Laurie Nancekivell9:30 to 10:30 AM: Keynote Speaker: Unstoppable Tracy (Hawthorn Hall)10:30 to 11:00 AM: Break (Hawthorn Hall)11:00 to 12:00 PM: Session Skills Training: How to make your meeting accessible with DRC Representatives Lyle Williams and Gillian Axten (Hawthorn Hall)12:00 to 1:15 PM: Lunch (not provided)1:15 to 1:30 PM: Chair Stretch (Hawthorn Hall)1:30 to 2:30 PM: Panel Session on Disability and the Workplace – Moderator: Tracey Ann Halkyard with panelists Steve Mantis, Ontario Network of Injured Workers Group (ONIWG) and Jason Patterson, WSIB Benefits Officer, OPSEU/SEFPO (Hawthorn Hall)2:30 to 3:00 PM: Break (Hawthorn Hall)3:00 to 4:30PM: Breaking Barriers: Using AODA, Inclusion, and Allyship to Build Accessible Places with Trish Robichaud, Work Life Inclusion Coach & Accessibility Compliance Consultant, Changing Paces (Hawthorn Hall)4:30 PM: Wrap-up and Adjournment (Dinner on your own) (Hawthorn Hall)7:00 to 8:30 PM Evening Entertainment: Comedy Show with Alice Rose, Mickey Dykeman, Desiree Walsh and Courtney Gilmore (Hawthorn Hall)8:30 AM to 5:00 PM & 6:30 -9:00 PM: Childcare (Alderwood Room)8:30 AM to 5:00 PM & 6:30 -8:30 PM: Wellness Room (Beech Room)8:30 AM to 5:00 PM & 7:00 -8:30 PM: Observance Room (Birch Room)Sunday, September 14, 2025
7:30 to 9:00 AM Breakfast (not provided)9:00 to 9:15 AM: Morning Announcements and Energizer (Hawthorn Hall)9:15 to 10:15 AM: Guest Speaker: Rabia Khedr, Disability Without Poverty (Hawthorn Hall)10:15 to 10:30 AM: Break (Hawthorn Hall)10:30 to 11:30 AM: Interactive Panel with DRC Members: What is your Superpower? (Hawthorn Hall)11:30 to 12:00 PM: Closing Ceremony, Evaluation Reminder, and Traveling Song8:30 to 12:15 PM: Childcare (Alderwood Room)8:30 to 12:15 PM Wellness Room (Beech Room)8:30 to 12:15 PM: Observance Room (Birch Room)Guest Speaker Biographies
Dr. Crystal Garvey
Dr. Garvey’s nursing experience spans over two decades, with her primary practice areas being Emergency and Mental Health Nursing. She is an adjunct professor in a collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in the GTA. Her mission as a scholar is to create equitable, inclusive, and culturally responsive care in academic and health care spaces. Dr. Garvey’s research and publications are in the areas of anti-bullying, mental health, theory development, and identifying barriers to learning and access to health care. At present she has secured $500,000 in research grants addressing Mental Health and anti-racism.Dr. Garvey’s engagement and research have recently expanded through her collaboration with the Social Justice Working Group, an NGO affiliated with the United Nations. In her role as lead researcher, she has published works addressing critical global issues related to artificial intelligence and its impact on the social determinants of health, particularly those affecting women. Through this research, she developed a framework designed to guide future scholars in the field.In addition to her academic work, Dr. Garvey actively supports nonprofit organizations by contributing to initiatives that foster culturally responsive care, enhancing the efficacy and inclusivity of mental health services. Her contributions also include developing educational modules, frameworks, and training guides for mental health care providers, further strengthening the accessibility and quality of care.Dr. Garvey most recent grant was awarded by CCSIF grant funded by the Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR) in the amount of $360,000. The research titled: ‘Bridging the gaps: Creating Culturally responsive mental health care for Black Communities’. The multiple method co-creation study will be researching the barriers that members of the Black community face when trying to access or receive mental health supports. In addition to her research, she is an executive producer of a Documentary titled Silent Voices which has been accepted received nomination for the TNIFF (Toronto Nollywood International Flim Festival). Exploring the deeply impactful narratives of how culture, race, and systemic barriers intersect; impacting how mental health is treated or navigated through the Black lens.In addition to her scholarship, activism, and community commitment to social justice, she works closely with community members and leaders of several organizations. She volunteers in various capacities doing key notes, seminars, and creating and mobilizing evidence-based programs about anti-bullying, trauma-informed care, anti-racism, and mental health.Finally, Dr. Garvey holds elected seats in various capacity such as Equity and Diversity Steward at her institution. The inaugural Equity Executive Board Member – Vice President for one of the largest unions in Ontario OPSEU/SEFPO (Ontario Public Service Employees Union), representing over 180,000 members, and Director of Education for the Joint Coalition for Addressing Needs (JCAN).Tasha Riley
Tasha Riley, born in Scarborough and raised in Brampton, grew up in vibrant communities of Black and POC individuals. From an early age, she felt a deep connection to her cultural identity. Her childhood was marked by moments where race influenced personal experiences and the language used to describe youth in her area.It was during her undergraduate studies at the University of Windsor, where she pursued a double major in Women & Gender Studies and Social Work, that Tasha began to intentionally engage with her history, people, and community. This period sparked a passion for self-education and involvement in Black-led initiatives. She became determined to merge her profession with her passion, seeking ways to serve Black communities effectively and transformatively.Tasha’s commitment deepened as she pursued her Master’s in Social Work at Ryerson University, focusing on Black Wealth Mobility. She devoted her Major Research Paper to exploring ways to foster wealth in Black communities, aiming to transition from reliance on government-funded initiatives to self-led change.Today, at 28, Tasha Riley works as a Youth & Family Counsellor providing psychotherapy for a mental health agency in Peel Region. Her journey reflects a dedicated effort to support and uplift Black communities through her professional and personal endeavors.Unstoppable Tracy
Tracy is UNSTOPPABLE – and not just because she was cameoed in the movie Robo Cop alongside Michael Keaton and Gary Oleman.You are going to be blown away …not only is she a powerhouse from an inspirational and motivational standpoint after over 100 million views this woman is also a powerhouse in business. TV host Unstoppable Tracy is a #1 International MegaSuccess and multiple times TEDx speaker who spoke in 40+ countries. She has shared the stage at events with Dr Phil, Jane Fonda, Mark Wahlberg, Michael Douglas, Mel Gibson, John Travolta and dozens more A-listers! And a movie star herself. Her mind-blowing story always gets standing ovations mesmerizing audiences out of their limitation zones into taking action.Oprah Magazine shared her story as a Quest for the Gold World Cup Sailor. She was the 1st to climb the Himalaya Mountains as a person of her stature, she has captained 110 ft tall ships in the Eastern Atlantic and is a decorated athlete in an able-bodied male dominated sailing. Plus, Tracy was inducted into Canada’s Disability Hall of Fame for her work in developing countries such as Uganda, Nepal, Mexico and more!She has been in magazines such as Chatelaine and on covers like Thrive and in Business Booster Today as well as seen on ABC, BBC, CBC, NBC and many more globally around the world … As #1 Female Transformational Global Leader winner by leadership guru John Maxwell selected out of 160 countries and Top Inspirational Leader awarded from International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP) … Tracy doesn’t just talk about high performance in business…she lives it! As a Corporate Consultant with an MBA who is laser focused, hard hitting business coach for your team, her skill set includes building teams that are outperforming the stock market in times of crisis by taking athletics high performance to business high performance she has represented leaders such as Air Canada, Google, Heath Practitioners, National Corporations, and Uber during great change …where Tracy became a major disruption of normal.To top it all off… if she is not incredible enough awarded in Business, as a Humanitarian, as a World Cup Sailor and climber …did I mention she was born a 4-way amputee? meaning with no hands and no legs. Success depends on perseverance. Unstoppable Tracy is an expert who disarms limiting beliefs and delivers the Lim[b]itless Secret to Unstoppable YOU! Now she adds a Best-Selling Author in Business & Self Help, to her long list of amazing accomplishments #1 Hot Deal & #1 Mover & Shaker Cup of Chicken Soup for the Soul endorsed her book, ‘Unstoppable YOU; Exceed Uncertainty, Embrace Possibilities, Earn Independence’.With humor and motivation, you can crush your obstacles and soar to the top! No matter where you are in life, sometimes you just need to be inspired. You are a great leader pushing to drive your inner power. That’s never easy. And sometimes you will feel like you can’t do it anymore, any better, or any other way. Well, in ‘Unstoppable You’, Unstoppable Tracy helps you see that you can conquer your impossible by ensuring you [Un]stop the Story. With a laugh, Tracy helps you turn ordinary days into extraordinary today. Know moreabout her Lim[b]itless Secret and book her! Her mantra: “If I Can Do It, You Can Do it!”What’s your excuse? Let her charge up your audience and you be the hero of your organization for hiringUnstoppable Tracy.Trish Robichaud
Trish Robichaud is a Work-Life Inclusion Coach, Accessibility Consultant, and Motivational Speaker who has lived with multiple sclerosis and bipolar disorder for over 25 years. With a background in adult education, counseling, and advocacy, she brings both lived experience and professional expertise to her work.As the founder of Changing Paces, Trish has spent 15+ years helping organizations embrace disability inclusion and accessibility, opening their doors to the 25–60% of the population living with disability or chronic illness. She also coaches women entrepreneurs with chronic conditions, guiding them to prioritize well-being, streamline their businesses, and step out of overwhelm so they can finally thrive.Trish combines passion, practicality, and tech-savvy solutions to help individuals and organizations build inclusive, sustainable paths to success.Rabia Khedr
Rabia is dedicated to equity and justice for persons with disabilities, women, and diverse communities. Rabia most recently served as a Director on the Accessibility Standards Canada board and a Commissioner on the Ontario Human Rights Commission. She sits on the Minister’s Disability Advisory Group. She is the National Director of Disability Without Poverty and CEO of DEEN Support Services. A founder of Race and Disability Canada, she is also a board member of the Muslim Council of Peel and the Federation of Muslim Women. A motivational speaker and documentary commentator, Rabia draws on her lived experience of being blind and advocating for siblings with intellectual disabilities. Rabia has received numerous awards for her humanitarian services, including a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Metal and the Daniel G. Hill human rights award. Rabia holds a Bachelor of Arts (University of Toronto) and a Master of Arts (York University).Steve Mantis
Steve was injured in an industrial accident in 1978 losing his left arm. He went through the W.C.B. system and saw first hand how it failed for many injured workers. In 1984, he helped found the Thunder Bay and District Injured Workers Support Group. He has been active ever since working to improve the lives of injured and disabled workers across Canada.Since 1996, Steve has been building links with academics to study the consequences of work injury. He is presently the Chair of the Research Action Committee of the Ontario Network of Injured Workers Groups.Steve was previously a board member of the Ontario Workers’ Compensation Board, the Centre for Research on Work Disability Policy, and the Lakehead University’s research Institute, Enhancing the Prevention of Injury and Disability at Work (EPID@Work)Along with Marion Endicott, Steve has just written a book about some of their activism with injured workers. Published earlier this year, it is called –Who Killed Sir William? A Community – University Research Alliance Seeks Justice for Injured Workers.Jason Patterson
Jason Patterson is a WSIB Benefits Officer in the Pension and Benefits Unit in the Contract Enforcement Division at OPSEU/SEFPO.Alice Rose (she/her)
Alice Rose is a comedian, filmmaker, and trivia host. Her live shows have been part of JFL42, and she has performed at Comedy Bar, Absolute Comedy, and TO SketchFest. She is also the curator and host of two film series: HOLD UP at Revue Cinema, a celebration of 90s-00s teen movies; and UNTUCKED at Paradise Theatre, an exploration of films that articulate the trans experience.Alice has also been seen on CTV’s “Your Morning”, Netflix’s “Designated Survivor”, and the short film “Sonny Nites”. She has been part of the production team behind The Amazing Race Canada and Cash Cab Music, and has also written for CBC Arts, Black Sheep Comedy, and Parton & Pearl. She is currently writing a sitcom for television about a private detective who solves gay crimes.A former graphic designer, Alice has worked on a number of exciting projects that intersect design with advocacy. She has also lived in Uganda where she performed a residency as an in house graphic designer for “The East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Program”. Alice also studied Architecture at the University of Waterloo, an education she rarely puts into practice.She currently lives in Toronto with her girlfriend and their cute-in-an-ugly-way dog, Pancho.Mickey Dykeman (they/them)
Mickey Dykeman is the human equivalent of a golden retriever—high-energy and quick witted. They are a writer/producer for Werd Entertainment, a weekly regular at the Comedy Lab, and the booker/host for Black Sheep Comedy. They opened for Elvira Kurt at Paradise Theatre for her most recent comedy special recording.Mickey’s stand-up comedy delves into topics like relationships, religion, and the Queer experience, all served with a side of silly wordplay. With a knack for connecting with audiences, they bring authenticity and humour to every stage they hit.Desiree Walsh (she/her)
Desiree Walsh is a disabled, Toronto-based comedian who has been performing stand-up comedy for over eight years. Her comedy album Everybody Panic!, released with Howl & Roar Records, was named one of the top comedy albums of 2023 by NPR’s Bullseye podcast.She collaborated with Quentin Lee as a performer and comedian on the CSA-winning series Comedy Invasion. Her episode, titled Wheelchair and I, is now streaming on Amazon Prime, AAM.tv, Tubi, and Roku. Additionally, Desiree was a featured performer on Breaking Character Season 2 and the 2025 Canadian Screen Awards nominee The Squeaky Wheel, both on AMI.As a disabled comedian, Desiree is passionate about advocating for accessibility and inclusion for disabled people—not only through her stand-up comedy, but also in her day job at the Toronto Independent Living Centre.Courtney Gilmour (she/her)
Courtney Gilmour is an award-winning comedian and television writer. In 2017 she delivered a breakout performance at the Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal by becoming the first female to win the prestigious Homegrown Comics Competition as Canada’s top comedian.Courtney has been featured on multiple national broadcasts from festivals including the Winnipeg Comedy Festival, Halifax Comedy Festival, Just For Laughs Vancouver as well as Kevin Hart’s LOL Network and The Howie Mandel All Stars Gala at Just For Laughs Montreal.Her solo Fringe show “‘Congratulations!’ Stories of Achievement, Embarrassment, & Self-Worth” debuted at the Toronto Fringe Festival in summer 2019 and was met with sold out shows as well as multiple awards including Best of Fringe and Patrons’ Pick, earning her three extra performance runs and acceptance into the Brighton Fringe Festival.She has written for and made appearances on This Hour Has 22 Minutes, CBC’s The Debaters, Space Dragon & Kim, and CBC’S Humour Resources alongside Jon Dore and Sarah Silverman as well as multiple episodes of CTV Comedy’s Roast Battle Canada. In 2022 Courtney competed in the second season of Canada’s Got Talent, during her semi-finals performance she was awarded the judges’ vote to advance straight to the finals as one of the Top 8.Her debut stand up album “Let Me Hold Your Baby” was released in 2022 and was nominated for a JUNO award in 2023 for Comedy Album Of The Year. In 2024 she released her sophomore album “Wonder Woman” which has also been nominated for JUNO award.Disability Rights Caucus Member Biographies
Cindy Haynes, Region 1 Representative
Cindy has been an activist with OPSEU/SEFPO for over 25 years. Cindy has been a member of the Provincial Human Rights Committee (PHRC), the Provincial Women’s Committee (PWC), and most recently has been on the Disability Rights Caucus (DRC) for 10 years. Cindy has held all executive positions in Local 108, Corrections. Most importantly, Cindy has assisted members with their complaints, grievances, and accommodation issues. Cindy enjoys networking with the equity committees in her region as she believes that together we think “out of the box” which can bring workplace and community issues to the forefront. She values the amazing support from our former Board Members.Linden Huizinga, Region 2 Representative
Linden Huizinga, MSW. Registered Social Worker. She currently works as a Child Protection Worker with Family and Children Services of Waterloo Region (FACS) and is a steward with Local 258. Linden is a multi-organ transplant recipient and amputee. In addition to being the Region 2 representative for the Disability Rights Caucus she is part of the accessibility working group at FACS Waterloo and volunteers time offering peer support and doing educational webinars on trauma, mental health and chronic illness. Linden can also be found amongst the trees and wildflowers in her backyard or local parks, spending time with family and friends or reading a good book.Tracey Ann Halkyard, Equity Executive Board Member and Region 3 Representative
Tracey Halkyard is a Deaf Equity Executive Board Member with OPSEU/SEFPO, representing workers with disabilities. She is passionate about creating inclusion, accessibility, and equity for all. Tracey brings lived experience and commitment to building fairer workplaces and communities.Janet Heyman, Co-Chair, Region 4 Representative
Janet’s involvement in the community and union began when her children started school, as she advocated for classroom support by writing letters and meeting with school board directors and the Ministry of Education. Through workshops and union education, Janet built networks that reinforced her belief that working together is the path to success. Change doesn’t happen overnight, but strength in numbers is key.Janet currently serves as the Co-Chair of the Disability Rights Caucus and is the President of the Kingston & District Labour Council.Gillian Axten, Region 4 Representative
Gillian Axten, BA, MPsych, Co, IAAP, Lead Steward of Local 417, co-chair Joint Grievance Scheduling Committee, Region 4 representative to the Constitution Committee. Gillian is a lifelong advocate for disability rights, has been involved with the labour movement as an advocate since being president of the disabled student union at McGill University in 1988-1990. Lifelong teacher and counsellor she has advocated for disabled people to have full access to education and the workforce.Lyle Williams, Region 5 Representative
With over 20 years of experience, Lyle is an advocate, educator, and union activist dedicated to creating accessible, equitable, inclusive spaces in education and the workplace. With experience as an Adaptive Technology Specialist and an active member with OPSEU/SEFPO, he brings knowledge in accessibility, equity, and digital inclusion. Lyle focuses on empowering members through education, mentorship, and systemic change.Rina Gulli, Region 6 Representative
Rina Gulli has been a lifelong social justice advocate and Ontario Public Service (OPS) Shop Steward for over 23 years, having served two terms as Provincial Human Rights Committee (PHRC) Alternate for Region 6.Rina has co-facilitated many OPSEU/SEFPO educationals including Stewards 1, Making a Difference, Duty to Accommodate, Bullying and Non-Code Based Harassment, Health and Safety, Basic and Advanced Grievance Handling and has won many grievances at the Grievance Settlement Board (GSB).Academically, Rina holds an (Honours) B.A. in English and Psychology (Double Major) and is a Certified Teacher of Adults, having taught Corrections and Ethics at the College level.As a DRC Region 6 member, Rina aims to elevate diversity, equity and inclusion in all aspects of labour and community disability rights.Janet Ford, Co-Chair, Region 7 Representative
Janet Ford has been the Disability Rights Caucus Representative from Region 7 since 2023 and was elected the Co-Chair in 2024. Janet has been a member of the Ontario Public Service since 2002 at the Vital Statistics Office for the Province also known as the Office of the Registrar General/Service Ontario. She has been active in the OPSEU/SEFPO since 2012 which coincided with a cochlear implant and courage to step out of her comfort zone. Janet recently became a Mobilizer with Region 7. Janet has had an amazing experience organizing the inaugural Persons with Disabilities Conference.
