Employment Opportunity for Students with Disabilities Student testimonials
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Current Participants
Viczy Jaden Rivilla
As a visible minority and a person with disability, I am privileged to be in the Employment Opportunity for Students with Disabilities Program. I am well supported when it comes to office set-up accommodations and suitable equipment for a legally-blind individual with an epilepsy condition. I am set up for success in the public service, as I am also being mentored by highly skilled team leaders and managers. This program speaks volumes about diversity and inclusion in the government workplace!
Andrew Poirier
Working for the Government of Canada as a student has provided many opportunities for me to grow and advance. The Employment Opportunities for Students with Disabilities program is a supportive network that offers opportunities for mentorship and events specifically for students with disabilities. Through this program, I have connected with mentors from various government departments across Canada. My mentors have supported me in resume creation, understanding government processes, and self-advocacy for disability-related accommodations and I am grateful for the time mentors spend with me. Within my FSWEP roles I have learned about keeping Canadians safe and supporting Indigenous rights. My interaction with Indigenous clients provides an opportunity to understand historical wrongs and my role in advancing reconciliation as both an individual and an employee of the Government of Canada. I am enrolled in a Bachelor of Social Work and my employer has always made sure that school comes first, by being flexible with my schedule. I really enjoy serving clients and making sure they have a positive experience with government programs. I hope to continue with the Government of Canada where I can use my social work degree and FSWEP experiences, continue lifelong learning, and provide a positive service experience for those living in Canada.
Past Participants
Leah Plomp
When I began my first co-op work term with the Government of Canada I was thrilled by the inclusiveness of my team. I was further delighted to have been able to join the Employment Opportunity for Students with Disabilities program. I have completed two co-op work terms and one FSWEP term and throughout each I have join various information session and speed mentoring events. Through the program I met federal public servants who live with disabilities, each of whom provided valuable career guidance and advice. Without the Employment Opportunity for Students with Disabilities Program I would not have had the opportunity to connect with other students with disabilities and mentors. It is a fantastic program. I hope to one day shift within it from mentee to mentor and pay forward all that I have gratefully gained.
Hayat Sami
An experience during which I had the opportunity to learn a great deal about administrative roles and tasks. I'm hearing-impaired and I was lucky enough to be supervised by very professional people who were also very good listeners, patient and empathetic. When the time came for the internship to end, I was very sad. I wish I'd still been in this environment, where I'd learned more than just hard work devoid of human qualities. I was able to learn the nuts and bolts of employee interaction in a high-level professional environment. In fact, I'd have a lot of positive things to say, despite the rare moments when I felt a little lost. An experience to be repeated with pleasure.
Harrissan Shanthinikethan
On my first day, like any newcomer, I was apprehensive, particularly due to my autism and anxiety. However, the inclusive atmosphere made an immediate impact. There were approximately 15 students, each from different backgrounds, including a fellow student in a wheelchair. It felt like a familiar school environment, and this sense of community alleviated my initial anxieties. Given my challenges with distractions, my supervisor demonstrated exceptional understanding. Recognizing my needs, she provided accommodations, granting me three breaks instead of the usual one. These shorter breaks were instrumental in keeping me engaged and focused throughout the term. I had the opportunity to contribute to a project, collaborating successfully with two other students. The summer concluded with a memorable potluck, where I shared a taste of my culture. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with colleagues praising my mom's culinary skills and requesting recipes. A defining moment for me was when my superintendent presented me with a token of appreciation. Bearing the CBSA symbol, this token has become a cherished award, a constant reminder of my accomplishments. Its significance goes beyond the tangible; whenever I glance at it, I am filled with a sense of achievement.My time at CBSA was marked by happiness and a profound sense of pride. This rare opportunity allowed me to meet exceptional and diverse individuals. I am genuinely proud to have worked for CBSA and to have been surrounded by such wonderful people.
Mentors
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Contact Us
For additional information on EOSD, contact the Public Service Commission’s Diversity and Inclusion Centre of Expertise.
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