Learning Differently: Strengths, Identity and Finding Our Own Way
Schedule
We often say that a Learning Disability is only one part of who a person is, yet this can understate the many ways disability shapes a person's everyday experiences. Learning, assessment, school and work, along with the messages people receive about their learning and abilities, can profoundly influence confidence, identity, and what they believe they are capable of. Drawing on more than a decade of experience supporting students with disabilities in post-secondary education, as well as her own lived experience and advocacy work, Colleen Smereka will explore how we can move beyond focusing on challenges and instead support the whole person.
Colleen will share insights into building resilience, self-advocacy, confidence, independence, and effective learning strategies, while examining the barriers that can stand in the way of success.
Whether you are a parent, educator, student, adult with a disability, or community member, this session offers an opportunity to rethink how we support people with Learning Disabilities and create environments where strengths, not limitations, are at the centre.
We are looking forward to seeing you there!
Who Is This For?
This workshop was open to everyone! Parents, caregivers, educators, and professionals working with youth found valuable insights and strategies to support children and teens in preparing for a successful summer.
Schedule
Colleen Smereka is a disability advocate and academic coach with over ten years of experience supporting post-secondary students with disabilities. Her work focuses on inclusive education,social justice, and equity, with particular attention to learning disabilities and systemic barriers within higher education. Colleen has worked in Accessibility Offices at Lakeland College, St. Francis Xavier University, the University of Northern British Columbia, and SAIT Polytechnic, supporting students through academic accommodations, assistive technology, and academic strategy development. She also provides academic coaching, assistive technology assessment and training, grant funding support, and transition-to-post-secondary planning through her work with students and families. Colleen holds a Master of Education in Inclusive Education with a focus on social justice and equity. Her work is informed by both her professional expertise and lived experience as a disabled person, as well as her longstanding involvement in disability advocacy, including previous service on the Foothills Academy Society Board of Governors.
