Employment Opportunity for Students with Disabilities Student testimonials

Past 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 (EOSD) 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 EOSD 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.

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 joined various information sessions 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.

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

Nan Zhang

It is a pleasure and an honour to serve as a mentor in the FSWEP Employment Opportunities for Students with Disabilities (EOSD) program over the summer. Having the opportunity to guide my mentee through weekly chats not only empowered them to navigate the federal public service but also fostered a sense of inclusivity, proving that abilities triumph over limitations. Witnessing their growth and success was truly inspiring, reinforcing the importance of equal opportunities in the workforce.

Elizabeth Cahill

At the Library of Parliament, we are dedicated to enhancing Canadian parliamentary democracy by providing authoritative and relevant information to Parliament. To achieve our goals, we need a team that reflects diverse perspectives, identities, cultures, and experiences. The Federal Student Work Experience Program has been a great tool for us in this regard. Last summer, we hired a student with lived experience of disability, and their contributions were outstanding! They helped to refine our research questions by exploring various information sources and integrating new perspectives. They drafted high quality content and improved the accessibility of our information products. Additionally, the Library was able to offer them a meaningful summer work experience, where they gained firsthand insight into the workings of Parliament and the significance of reliable information in the democratic process.