"You need to have an infrastructure commitment in being accessible."
Mandy’s Journey
Published:
This Journey captures an insightful interview with Mandy Penney, a disability advocate and expert in accessibility and inclusion. Mandy shares her journey from higher education to her role as an Employment Equity Officer at Memorial University. She discusses her work fostering inclusive workplaces, the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in employment, and strategies to promote accessibility and equity. The conversation also explores Mandy’s contributions to community projects, including her work with Inclusion NL and the Disabled Women’s Network of Canada (DAWN), and her perspective on the evolving landscape of equity and inclusion in the workplace.
Key Takeaways
- Personal Experience Shape Advocacy: Mandy’s lived experiences with disability and employment challenges inspired her commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and equitable opportunities.
- Collaboration Drives Change: Partnerships with organizations, businesses, and communities are crucial for implementing effective accessibility measures and fostering disability confidence.
- Mentorship is Key to Growth: Mandy credits mentorship as pivotal in her career, emphasizing its role in empowering individuals with disabilities to thrive professionally.
- Post-Pandemic Opportunities: The shift to hybrid and digital workplaces has expanded accessibility but also highlights the need for intentional and inclusive design in technology and AI.