Join us for an engaging and interactive session to develop a framework for creating a new affinity group at the University for employees with disabilities. Many organizations have affinity or Employee Resources Groups (ERGs) generally based on building community, providing support and contributing to personal and professional development in the work environment. However, how do we know what kind of group is appropriate for employees at the University? Using inclusive design principles, this session will co-design a solution that is inclusive and responsive. Participants will learn from affinity groups already in place at the University and be given the opportunity to take an active role in designing their own.

Who should attend: faculty members, staff and librarians with lived experience of disability interested in participating in a peer network. 

Register to attend

All events will have American Sign Language and live captions for the main presentations. If you have any other accessibility questions or are looking for further information on how we might support your participation, and if you would need ASL, captions, or any other supports for the breakout sessions, please contact Ben Poynton at ben.poynton@utoronto.ca he will work with you to make appropriate arrangements.

If, for whatever reason, you cannot attend this session but are interested in this topic, please contact Ben Poynton.

This event is co-hosted by Hart House.

Welcome and Introductions

• Ben Poynton, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) Office, University of Toronto

Opening remarks

• Kelly Hannah-Moffat, Vice-President, Human Resources & Equity

Speakers

• Archana Sridhar, Assistant Provost, U of T
  Founding member, Connections & Conversations
• Mary Stefanidis, Student Success Programs Officer, Faculty of Arts & Science
  QUTE (Queer U of T Employees)

Group breakouts

• Opportunity for participants to discuss what shape a peer group should take
• Each group will be lead by a moderator
• Participants are welcome to participate via audio or text chat

Return and debrief

• Group moderators report back to larger group
• Opportunity to build consensus on next steps