Accessibility Ally

Accessible Retention and Career Development with Jeff Overmars

Join host Corrie Melanson for an enlightening discussion with Jeff Overmars, a seasoned public service professional and advocate, as they delve into the essential yet often overlooked aspects of accessible retention and career development for people with disabilities. Jeff draws from nearly 20 years of experience in government, his role as co-chair of the Nova Scotia Disability Employee Network, and his personal perspective as an employee with low vision to unpack what truly happens after the hiring process ends. Key topics include: * Why retention begins on day one, and the pitfalls of assuming onboarding is “one and done” * Moving beyond accommodations to proactive support: asking “What helps you thrive?” * The impact of remote work flexibility and why return-to-office mandates risk excluding talented employees * How performance planning can serve as an ongoing conversation, not just an annual review * Introducing the “purple flag” tool to interrupt bias without shame or blame * The role of employee resource groups in fostering culture change and collective advocacy Whether you’re a manager, HR professional, or advocate, this episode offers practical insights and relatable examples to help build workplaces where everyone can grow, contribute, and stay. Ready to move beyond hiring and truly support career development for people with disabilities? Listen now.

Accessible Recruiting and Hiring with Erika Shea

Join host Corrie Melanson for a thought-provoking conversation with Erika Shea, Executive Director of New Dawn Enterprises, as they explore how one of Cape Breton’s largest community-centred employers is reimagining accessible recruitment and hiring, from the job posting to the first day and beyond. With over 200 staff across 17 nonprofit entities, New Dawn doesn’t just fill roles; it builds community. Erika shares how the organisation has moved beyond inherited hiring norms to create processes that are transparent, flexible, and deeply human. Key topics include: * Why posting salary and benefits upfront attracts the right candidates, and builds trust from day one * How a 32-hour work week with full-time pay supports whole lives, not just productivity * The power of sending interview questions in advance and why interviews shouldn’t feel like pop quizzes * Creating low-stakes, ongoing conversations about neurodivergence, disability, and what people need to thrive * Why the interview itself is your first chance to show your culture, and how small gestures make a big difference * Moving from shame to safety: how openness about disability strengthens teams and trust Whether you’re in HR, leadership, or simply believe work should work for everyone, this episode is full of actionable ideas and refreshing honesty about building hiring practices that are not only accessible but truly welcoming. Ready to rethink recruitment? Listen now.

Accessible Customer Service with Bianca Go and Heather Wilkinson

Join host Corrie Melanson for a practical and inspiring conversation with Heather Wilkinson from Wonder’neath Art Society and Bianca Goh from the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) as they explore what accessible customer service really means and how organisations of any size can get it right. From a vibrant community art studio to a province-wide retailer, Heather and Bianca share real-world strategies for making every interaction welcoming, responsive, and genuinely inclusive. Whether you serve clients, customers, participants, or the public, this episode is packed with ideas you can apply right away. Key topics include: * How to move beyond compliance and build a culture of access, one small step at a time * The power of low-sensory experiences, and what NSLC learned from its pilot project * Simple adaptations that make a big difference: from rubber bands on wine bottles to foam mats for service dogs * Why training matters, and how partnering with organisations like CNIB builds staff confidence * Creating “accessibility guides” for your space so people know what to expect before they arrive * How to solicit and act on feedback, turning mistakes into momentum * The role of relationship-building in accessibility: it’s not just about the door, it’s about the dialogue Whether you run a small nonprofit, a large public service, or a local business, this episode will leave you with actionable ideas, relatable stories, and the encouragement to start where you are and keep learning. Ready to make your service truly accessible? Listen now.

Accessibility Goes Beyond the Built Environment with Kerri Jack

Join host Corrie Melanson for an inspiring conversation with Kerri Jack, Inclusion and Accessibility Coordinator at Recreation Nova Scotia, as they explore how communities across the province are transforming recreation spaces—and lives—through accessible design. From Mobi-Mats on beaches to sled hockey in Cape Breton, Kerrie shares tangible, real-world examples of how Nova Scotia is leading the way in making recreation truly for everyone. Drawing from her municipal background and provincial role, she highlights the passionate people and innovative programs breaking down barriers—one trail, park, and arena at a time. Key topics include: * How small towns like Sherbrooke are creating fully accessible parks, and why Welcome Park is now a national example * The growing movement of adaptive equipment loan programs is making gear like beach wheelchairs and Hippocamps available to all * Halifax Lancers’ therapeutic riding program, where horses become “legs”, and connection runs deep * Training volunteers to guide blind and low-vision hikers and why immersion is key to understanding * What it takes to achieve Rick Hansen Foundation Gold Certification and why Halifax Central Library’s commitment matters * The power of communities of practice: how recreation professionals are learning together and accelerating change * Why inclusion isn’t just physical, it’s cultural, financial, and personal Whether you’re a recreation professional, community planner, volunteer, or someone who loves the outdoors, this episode is packed with ideas, energy, and proof that an accessible Nova Scotia isn’t just possible, it’s already happening. Ready to be inspired by what’s working and how you can help? Listen now.

Neuroinclusive Workplaces with Michelle Wood and Keith Gelhorn

Join host Corrie Melanson for a revealing conversation with neurodiversity advocates Keith Gelhorn, founder of Advocacy, and support worker Michelle Wood, as they explore what it truly means to build neuro-inclusive workplaces—and why it’s a win for everyone. Drawing from lived experience and professional expertise, Keith and Michelle break down the myths, share personal journeys of late diagnosis, and offer practical strategies for employers and colleagues alike. From rethinking hiring practices to redesigning the workday, this episode is a toolkit for turning awareness into action. Key topics include: * What “neurodivergent” really means and why flexibility isn’t a perk, it’s a necessity * How traditional interviews exclude talent and what to do instead * The power of “unmasking” and creating spaces where people can bring their whole selves to work * Simple workplace adjustments: quiet zones, sensory tools, body doubling, and meeting-free deep work blocks * Why supporting neurodivergent employees isn’t just an HR issue; it’s a leadership and culture shift * The surprising link between neurodivergence and entrepreneurship, and how to harness innovative thinking * Navigating late diagnosis, self-advocacy, and moving from shame to strength Whether you’re a manager, HR professional, coworker, or someone navigating your own neurodivergent journey, this episode offers empathy, insight, and actionable steps to make your workplace more inclusive and more human. Ready to rethink how work works? Listen now.