Accessibility Ally

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 timeThe power of low-sensory experiences, and what NSLC learned from its pilot projectSimple adaptations that make a big difference: from rubber bands on wine bottles to foam mats for service dogsWhy training matters, and how partnering with organisations like CNIB builds staff confidenceCreating “accessibility guides” for your space so people know what to expect before they arriveHow to solicit and act on feedback, turning mistakes into momentumThe role of relationship-building in accessibility: it's not just about the door, it's about the dialogueWhether 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.

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 exampleThe growing movement of adaptive equipment loan programs is making gear like beach wheelchairs and Hippocamps available to allHalifax Lancers' therapeutic riding program, where horses become “legs”, and connection runs deepTraining volunteers to guide blind and low-vision hikers and why immersion is key to understandingWhat it takes to achieve Rick Hansen Foundation Gold Certification and why Halifax Central Library's commitment mattersThe power of communities of practice: how recreation professionals are learning together and accelerating changeWhy inclusion isn't just physical, it's cultural, financial, and personalWhether 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.

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 necessityHow traditional interviews exclude talent and what to do insteadThe power of “unmasking” and creating spaces where people can bring their whole selves to workSimple workplace adjustments: quiet zones, sensory tools, body doubling, and meeting-free deep work blocksWhy supporting neurodivergent employees isn't just an HR issue; it's a leadership and culture shiftThe surprising link between neurodivergence and entrepreneurship, and how to harness innovative thinkingNavigating late diagnosis, self-advocacy, and moving from shame to strengthWhether 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.

Join host Corrie Melanson for an enlightening conversation with plain language experts Erin Casey and Catherine Buckey as they unpack why clear communication is a cornerstone of accessibility—and how it benefits everyone, every day.Erin, a neurodivergent communicator with 30 years of experience, and Catherine, a former journalist turned accessibility advocate, dive deep into what plain language truly means—far beyond “dumbing things down.” They explore how clarity builds trust, reduces cognitive load, and ensures everyone can access the information they need to thrive.Key topics include:Why plain language is more than words—it's about format, structure, and understanding your audienceDebunking the biggest myth: that clear communication undermines expertiseHow to test your materials with real people—including the most vulnerable usersThe surprising ways plain language saves organisations time and moneyWhy internal communication sets the tone for external impactPractical first steps: from auditing signage to rewriting job titles in plain languageHow creating a “culture of asking” fosters psychological safety and inclusionWhether you write reports, design websites, lead teams, or communicate with the public, this episode will change how you think about the words you use—and who they're truly for.Ready to make your communication more inclusive, effective, and human? Listen now.

Join host Corey for an insightful conversation with digital accessibility experts Garth Holmes, co-founder of Be Responsive Media, and Kirsten Dodd, CEO of Haynova, as they tackle one of the most overlooked yet essential aspects of inclusion: making the digital world accessible to everyone.Drawing from decades of experience in web development, design, and inclusive technology, Garth and Kirsten move beyond compliance checklists to explore the human impact of digital barriers—and how to remove them.Key topics include:Why third-party tools and platforms are often the biggest roadblocks to accessibility and how to advocate for changeThe power of auditing with people who have disabilities and how it transformed the ACE Project websiteHow inaccessible apps during COVID-19 put people at risk and why digital access is a matter of food security, health, and dignityDebunking the myth that accessibility limits creativity and how it actually strengthens your brand and user experiencePractical, low-cost ways to start: from browser extensions like WAVE to listening to your site with a screen readerWhy empathy, not just compliance, drives lasting change, and how to build it into your team's processWhere to find grants and resources in Nova Scotia to support your accessibility journeyWhether you're a developer, designer, marketer, or business leader, this episode is packed with real stories, actionable strategies, and a clear message: digital accessibility isn't a nice-to-have, it's a must-have for reaching and respecting your entire community.Ready to make your digital space truly inclusive? Listen now.

Join host Corrie Melanson for a thought-provoking conversation with Julie Glaser, accessibility consultant in the Annapolis Valley, and Laura Swaine, Manager of Community Programs at YWCA Halifax, as they explore how different generations are reshaping workplace accessibility, from Gen Z to Boomers.Julie and Laura bring unique perspectives from supporting teams spanning early 20s to over 65, revealing how younger workers are entering the workforce with stronger self-awareness and clearer expectations around accommodations, while older generations are discovering new language and diagnoses later in life. Together, they unpack the tension between traditional workplace structures and emerging approaches centred on flexibility, vulnerability, and openness.Key topics include:Why psychological safety can't just be a buzzword and how to actually build itThe power of occupational therapists to assess entire workplaces, not just individualsEmployee resource groups: Why small organisations should collaborate regionallyHow Gen Z is "changing the dial" and saying "time's up" on workplace barriersStarting benefits day one and exploring four-day work weeksWhy accommodations aren't a checkbox, they're an ongoing conversationEmbedding accessibility into the building blocks of work: meetings, emails, and everyday interactionsWhether you're managing a multi-generational team, navigating your own accommodation needs, or leading organisational change, this episode offers inspiration, practical strategies, and hope for creating workplaces where everyone can thrive.

Join host Corrie Melanson for an inspiring conversation with Ellen Johnson, Regional Accessibility Coordinator for five Lunenburg County municipalities, and Nikki Burd, Manager of Human Resources at Stewart McKelvey, as they share practical "disability hacks" that are transforming workplaces across Nova Scotia.Ellen shares her personal journey from navigating her first job with low vision to her current role advocating for accessibility, while Nikki offers insights from supporting nearly 700 employees across six offices in Atlantic Canada. Together, they reveal that creating inclusive workplaces doesn't require massive budgets; it requires commitment, creativity, and compassion.Key topics include:Why flexible work arrangements are the ultimate accessibility solutionLow-cost changes that signal safety: fidgets, dimmers, and wellness roomsBreaking down the myth that accommodations are expensive (spoiler: most aren't!)Starting benefits day one instead of after 90 days, and why it mattersThe power of asking "What do you need?" without making assumptionsRepresentation as a "super hack" for embedding accessibility into organisational cultureWhy wellness accounts should cover art supplies, not just gym membershipsWhether you're an employer just starting your accessibility journey or an HR professional looking for fresh ideas, this episode offers actionable strategies and the reminder that mistakes are okay; what matters is taking steps forward.

Join host Corrie Melanson for an insightful conversation with Tammy Bernasky, Assistant Professor at Cape Breton University, and Tova Sherman, CEO of Reachability Association, as they explore the current state of accessibility and disability inclusion in Nova Scotia.Tammy shares her work developing the groundbreaking Quality of Life Index for people with disabilities—a comprehensive measurement tool covering 13 domains from employment and education to economic security and democratic engagement. Meanwhile, Tova brings a grassroots perspective, discussing the realities facing the 350 clients her organisation serves annually, including the growing population of newcomers with disabilities.Key topics include:The persistent poverty-disability link and why economic security mattersDebunking myths about expensive accommodations (most cost less than $500!)The intersectionality of disability with other marginalised identitiesWhy "right person, right job" should replace traditional job descriptionsThe lingering impacts of COVID-19 on isolation and inclusionWhat gives these advocates hope for the futureWhether you're an employer, service provider, or advocate, this episode challenges you to rethink disability inclusion and move from awareness to meaningful action.

Henk and Thivjan are both Executive Directors (ED) of organizations that support people with intellectual disabilities. Henk is the ED of DASC Dartmouth Adult Services Centre (DASC), a social enterprise. Thivjan is the ED of Inclusion Nova Scotia. The three have a conversation about what it means to be an accessibility confident leader in Nova Scotia, and the importance of valuing and empowering people with disabilities to advocate for themselves and create an accessible future.This podcast is made possible by Sea Change CoLab. Sea Change CoLab supports leaders and teams across private, public, and impact-driven sectors to learn sustainable ways that spark meaningful change and create learning experiences that reflect the diversity of our world and have equitable systems and inclusive cultures where everyone belongs. Go to https://seachangecolab.com/ to learn more.This podcast is hosted by Corrie Melanson, Learning Experience Designer, at Sea Change CoLab.Produced by Podstarter.Full transcript available here (https://accessibilityally.transistor.fm/s1/10/transcript)

Corrie sits down with Vanessa Furlong, who is an artist and mental health practitioner based in Halifax. She worked with Erin Ball to create LEGacy Circus, a contemporary arts duo combining the use of leg attachments, mobility aids, and traditional and non-traditional circus apparatuses. Vanessa and Erin created a great resource called Increasing Accessibility in movement-based practices. In this episode, Vanessa discusses experiences advocating for accessibility in live performance. She emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement and collaboration to create a more inclusive environment. Corrie and Vanessa also discussed the pervasive nature of ableism in various contexts, including art and culture, and stressed the need for proactive accessibility, intersectionality, and inclusive policies to disrupt ableism.This podcast is made possible by Sea Change CoLab. Sea Change CoLab supports leaders and teams across private, public, and impact-driven sectors to learn sustainable ways that spark meaningful change and create learning experiences that reflect the diversity of our world and have equitable systems and inclusive cultures where everyone belongs. Go to https://seachangecolab.com/ to learn more.This podcast is hosted by Corrie Melanson, Learning Experience Designer, at Sea Change CoLab.Produced by Podstarter.Full transcript available here (https://accessibilityally.transistor.fm/s1/9/transcript)

Michelle Mahoney, Accessibility Officer at Kings University, and Morgane Evans, a former Dalhousie student who works in communications, share their experiences around accessibility and education. They chat with host Corrie Melanson about the importance of inclusive education and advocating for accessibility in Nova Scotia, with a focus on shifting mindsets towards disability inclusion. They discuss challenges and difficulties in accessing accommodations in post-secondary education, highlighting the need for more protections and accommodations for students with disabilities.This podcast is made possible by Sea Change CoLab. Sea Change CoLab supports leaders and teams across private, public, and impact-driven sectors to learn sustainable ways that spark meaningful change and create learning experiences that reflect the diversity of our world and have equitable systems and inclusive cultures where everyone belongs. Go to https://seachangecolab.com/ to learn more.This podcast is hosted by Corrie Melanson, Learning Experience Designer, at Sea Change CoLab.Produced by Podstarter.Full transcript available here (https://accessibilityally.transistor.fm/s1/8/transcript)

We should always feel supported by our community, specifically by our local institutions. Human Rights Activist, Vicki Levack, joins Corrie this episode to discuss the challenges faced by people with disabilities in accessing employment and housing, as well as their experiences advocating for social justice and human rights in Canada. The two chat about the Human Rights Remedy, and the role of the Disability Rights Coalition, as well as their personal experiences and barriers in accessing the community. This podcast is made possible by Sea Change CoLab. Sea Change CoLab supports leaders and teams across private, public, and impact-driven sectors to learn sustainable ways that spark meaningful change and create learning experiences that reflect the diversity of our world and have equitable systems and inclusive cultures where everyone belongs. Go to https://seachangecolab.com/ to learn more.This podcast is hosted by Corrie Melanson, Learning Experience Designer, at Sea Change CoLab.Produced by Podstarter.Full transcript available here (https://accessibilityally.transistor.fm/s1/7/transcript)

Intersectionality is often left out of the conversation when it comes to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. In this discussion, we make intersectionality the focus, as we sit down with Liza Arnason. Liza is the Founder and Chair of the Board of Directors of the ASE (pronounced ah-SHAY) Community Foundation for Black Canadians with Disabilities. Liza centres Disability Justice and the unique experiences of Black Canadians with disabilities. Corrie and Liza get into the interconnected nature of various identities and underscore the significance of inclusivity and intersectional approaches to social justice. They also highlight the necessity for white individuals to leverage their privilege and power to amplify marginalized voices and foster more diverse and inclusive leadership within disability-led organizations.This podcast is made possible by Sea Change CoLab. Sea Change CoLab supports leaders and teams across private, public, and impact-driven sectors to learn sustainable ways that spark meaningful change and create learning experiences that reflect the diversity of our world and have equitable systems and inclusive cultures where everyone belongs. Go to https://seachangecolab.com/ to learn more.This podcast is hosted by Corrie Melanson, Learning Experience Designer, at Sea Change CoLab.Produced by Podstarter.Full transcript available here (https://accessibilityally.transistor.fm/s1/6/transcript)

In this episode we explore and identify Deaf culture and the importance of fostering inclusive education, shedding light on the joys and challenges faced by the deaf community in a predominantly hearing world. Your host Corrie Melanson, is joined by Holly and their interpreter Mae. Holly is queer, Indigenous, and Deaf. Holly shares their experience as a Deaf person in rural and urban settings in Nova Scotia. They also talk about being a new mom to a hearing child. Mae is an ASL interpreter and shares how they got into this field of work, and why they love it!This podcast is made possible by Sea Change CoLab. Sea Change CoLab supports leaders and teams across private, public, and impact-driven sectors to learn sustainable ways that spark meaningful change and create learning experiences that reflect the diversity of our world and have equitable systems and inclusive cultures where everyone belongs. Go to https://seachangecolab.com/ to learn more.This podcast is hosted by Corrie Melanson, Learning Experience Designer, at Sea Change CoLab.Produced by Podstarter.Full transcript available here (https://accessibilityally.transistor.fm/s1/5/transcript)

There is no doubt that being accessible by 2030 is a huge goal! In this episode, your host Corrie Melanson, sits down with Dawn Stegen and Terri Lynn Almeda, to discuss how the many moving pieces of accessibility can work together to ensure an accessible future for our province. Dawn is the Executive Director of the Accessibility Directorate. Terri Lynn Almeda is the Director of Programs and Services at the Directorate. They give great insight into how the government of Nova Scotia is implementing the 2017 Accessibility Act. They also explain how we all need to work together to ensure Nova Scotia is accessible by 2030.This podcast is made possible by Sea Change CoLab. Sea Change CoLab supports leaders and teams across private, public, and impact-driven sectors to learn sustainable ways that spark meaningful change and create learning experiences that reflect the diversity of our world and have equitable systems and inclusive cultures where everyone belongs. Go to https://seachangecolab.com/ to learn more.This podcast is hosted by Corrie Melanson, Learning Experience Designer, at Sea Change CoLab.Produced by Podstarter.Full transcript available here (https://accessibilityally.transistor.fm/s1/4/transcript)

It would be hard to find a more amazing, local example of an exceptional partnership for change in accessibility than that of 2 Crows Brewing and the Prescrott Group! In this episode we sit down with Eric Dupont, who is the Operations Manager at 2 Crows Brewing in Halifax. 2 Crows partners with Prescott Group to hire adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) in their warehouse. Jenn and Andrew are clients at Prescott, and both work in the 2 Crows warehouse. They share the highlights of working at 2 Crows and their wish that more people with IDDs could be hired in the community.This podcast is made possible by Sea Change CoLab. Sea Change CoLab supports leaders and teams across private, public, and impact-driven sectors to learn sustainable ways that spark meaningful change and create learning experiences that reflect the diversity of our world and have equitable systems and inclusive cultures where everyone belongs. Go to https://seachangecolab.com/ to learn more.This podcast is hosted by Corrie Melanson, Learning Experience Designer, at Sea Change CoLab.Produced by Podstarter.Full transcript available here (https://accessibilityally.transistor.fm/s1/3/transcript)

This episode we sit down with Ursula Mogensen who is a queer, non-binary human with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). They share their experiences with a late diagnosis of ADHD, the supports at work that help them thrive, and the challenges and benefits of being Neurodivergent.This podcast is made possible by Sea Change CoLab. Sea Change CoLab supports leaders and teams across private, public, and impact-driven sectors to learn sustainable ways that spark meaningful change and create learning experiences that reflect the diversity of our world and have equitable systems and inclusive cultures where everyone belongs. Go to https://seachangecolab.com/ to learn more.This podcast is hosted by Corrie Melanson, Learning Experience Designer, at Sea Change CoLab.Produced by Podstarter.Full transcript available here (https://accessibilityally.transistor.fm/s1/2/transcript)

On the very first episode of Accessibility Ally, your host Corrie Melanson sits down with guest, Paul Tingley. Paul is a Business ACCESS-Ability Officer with the Government of Nova Scotia, responsible for coordinating programs, and services, and collaborating on policies that support recreation in Nova Scotia. Corrie and Paul have an amazing discussion on the six standards that approach the legislature that aims to make Nova Scotia fully accessible by 2030, and what that may mean for people living in the province. The two also dive into the presence of disability awareness and allyship in Nova Scotia, and the intersectionality among the EDIA equity-seeking groups.This podcast is made possible by Sea Change CoLab. Sea Change CoLab supports leaders and teams across private, public, and impact-driven sectors to learn sustainable ways that spark meaningful change and create learning experiences that reflect the diversity of our world and have equitable systems and inclusive cultures where everyone belongs. Go to https://seachangecolab.com/ to learn more.This podcast is hosted by Corrie Melanson, Learning Experience Designer, at Sea Change CoLab.Produced by Podstarter.Full transcript available here (https://accessibilityally.transistor.fm/s1/1/transcript)