Sheena Darnley (left), a Grade 12 student at Notre Dame College School in Welland, who will attend Brock University in the fall for Accounting next fall, spoke with Student Engagement Coordinator Carolyn Hough and New Student Experience Coordinator Nicole Finstad of Student Life and Success during Ability Empowerment Day on Wednesday, Feb. 19.High school students with disabilities explored their post-secondary education dreams at Brock University’s annual Ability Empowerment Day.
The event drew more than 125 students, parents and teachers from Niagara and beyond to campus on Wednesday, Feb. 19 to learn about academic opportunities, advocacy skills and accessibility services.
Kinesiology professor Maureen Connolly speaks in front of a crowd of more than 125 high school students, parents and teachers in the Goodman Atrium.
Launched in 2019, Ability Empowerment Day was designed for students who identify as disabled or who use accommodations to support their learning. Throughout the day, attendees are able to experience university life, connect with faculty and staff and gain insight into student support services.
“Are we up to the task of equity? That’s what this day is about. We want to create a world where all students receive equitable treatment in education,” said Kinesiology Professor Maureen Connolly, a member of the Ability and Empowerment Day organizing committee. “All these students attending today have the right to be here.”
The event featured keynote speaker Leanne Taylor, Associate Professor of Educational Studies, who delivered a talk titled “What to expect from an inclusive teacher.”
Participants also joined interactive workshops, explored Brock’s inclusive campus, engaged with academic and service departments at an information fair, enjoyed a free lunch at DeCew Residence Dining Hall and attended presentation sessions. The day wrapped up with a Student Accessibility Services (SAS) information session hosted by students and staff.
Brock students Jazlyn Savoie (left), a third-year Child and Youth Studies and Psychology, and Temilade Adesina, a Master of Applied Disability Studies student, share their experiences at the University in front of a large crowd during Ability Empowerment Day.
“Students left with a better understanding of how they can succeed in university, the supports available to them and the advocacy skills needed to navigate post-secondary education,” Connolly said.
Brock’s Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre ensures students with disabilities have equal access to academic opportunities. By providing tailored accommodations and support, SAS helps facilitate exam accommodations in partnership with instructors, ensuring both accessibility and academic integrity.
Students can access support through scheduled appointments or drop-in sessions, which offer flexible, immediate assistance for pressing issues. Drop-in hours with Case Managers or the Student Services Coordinator team cover a range of services, from reviewing accommodation plans to discussing exam logistics.
The annual Ability Empowerment Day is hosted by Brock’s Human Rights and Equity Office and the Anti-Ableism and Mental Health Working Group of the President’s Advisory Committee on Human Rights, Equity and Decolonization.
