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The ALC is committed to delivering high quality services to students and faculty in a manner that is accessible, respectful, and fair. If you are concerned about the quality of service you received from the ALC, please share your feedback using our Feedback Form. A member of the ALC leadership team will respond to your feedback in a timely manner.
I lead the overall strategic direction of the Accessible Learning Centre (ALC). Along with the ALC leadership team, we ensure accessible service delivery that facilitates equitable and dignified access to the Laurier learning environment for students with disabilities. This includes supporting the university’s compliance with human rights and accessibility legislation and advising on complex accommodation and accessibility matters.
The ALC works collaboratively with faculty and staff across our campuses to support the accommodation and access needs of students with disabilities. We also work to advance universal design practices in academia to remove access barriers while enhancing the learning experience for all students.
My current research and teaching interest is in creating education, professional development, and training materials for accessibility professionals in higher education.
A graduate of Laurier (BA ’95), I returned as director of Accessible Learning in 2021. For 17 years previously, I worked at Queen’s University in various roles advancing equity, human rights, and accessibility for students with disabilities. In 2003, I was the first accessibility coordinator appointed by an Ontario university to lead its compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). For more than a decade, I also led Queen's student accessibility services, overseeing accommodation supports and services.
I have chaired provincial accessibility groups, including the IDIA, a provincial association of University Accessible Learning Centres, and co-chaired a ministry-appointed committee advising the Ontario government on the transition experiences of students with disabilities. From 2018-2021, I served as an expert consultant to a ministry-appointed standard development committee, issuing recommendations to inform a new accessibility standard for postsecondary education under the AODA.
I hold a PhD from the School of Rehabilitation at Queen’s University. My doctoral research focused on disability policy, accommodations in high school and university and the transition experiences of students with disabilities. I also hold a professional master’s degree in Public Administration from Queen’s University, a Master of Science degree in Family Studies (Family Therapy) from the University of Guelph, and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Psychology from Wilfrid Laurier University.
I identify as a deaf woman and a cochlear implant user.
Parsons, J. & Doyle, T. (2023). Introduction to Accessibility Advising in Ontario Postsecondary Education. eCampus Ontario.
Parsons, J. (2022). Changes to academic accommodations and university experiences for students with disabilities. Education Forum.
Parsons, J. McColl, M.A., Martin, A., Rynard. D. (In Press). Transition and accommodation experiences of students with disabilities: A qualitative study. Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability.
Parsons, J., McColl, M.A., Martin, A., & Rynard, D. (2021). Accommodations and academic performance: First-year university students with disabilities. Canadian Journal on Higher Education, 51(1), 41-56.
Parsons, J., McColl, M.A., Martin, A., & Rynard, D. (2021). Students with disabilities transitioning from high school to university in Canada: Identifying changing accommodations. Exceptionality Education International 30 (3) 64-81.
O’Riordan, A., Peterson, J.A., Murphy, S., Parsons, T., Docherty, D., Parsons, J., Meyerman, B., & Paterson, M. (2011). Collaboration in action: Health care education. Academic Exchange Quarterly, 15(4), 94-99
Parsons, J., & Tindale, J. (2001). Parents who sue their adult children for support: An examination of decisions by Canadian court judges. Canadian Journal on Aging 20 (4), 451-470.
Parsons, J., Oakley, B., Wideman, M. (2012). Identifying essential requirements: A guide for university disability service professionals. Inter-University Disability Issues Association. Toronto, ON.
I completed my MSW at Laurier and have been with Laurier ever since. I had the opportunity to work with the Accessible Learning Centre as an Accommodation Consultant for 11 years before transitioning roles to the Receptionist/Administrative Assistant. I love working with students and collaborating with staff and faculty to improve the services and support offered to our students. Feel free to stop by the ALC reception desk if you have any questions about the ALC!
I've worked in postsecondary for 10 years and have done almost every job under the umbrella of academic support and accessibility services. I believe with the right supports, each student has the chance to be successful in their studies.
I have worked with the Accessible Learning Centre at Laurier since 2018 on both the Waterloo and Brantford campuses. I held the roles of accommodation consultant and supervisor of Academic Accommodations prior to my current role of manager, Academic Accommodations. Previous to Laurier, I worked as an accommodation consultant within Student Accessibility Services at Nipissing University and as a teacher in the public high school system.
Members of the Intake and Consultant team determine student eligibility for ALC services and design academic accommodation and support plans for eligible students to facilitate their equitable access to the learning environment.
I work with students, faculty, and staff to coordinate the intake process for the Accessible Learning Centre, which includes reviewing applications, assessing documentation, and guiding students through the accommodation process. In addition, as an Accessibility Consultant, I meet with students with disabilities to better understand barriers they may face in participating in their academic learning and help develop a plan of accommodations to ensure equitable and inclusive access to learning.
Prior to joining Accessible Learning, I worked for 13 years in municipal government, leading a team of inclusion specialists in the areas of accessibility, human rights, community development and equity.
I hold a Master of Education degree from Laurier and a Bachelor of Education from Western University, in addition to being an OCT. I have extensive experience with individuals with traumatic brain injury, sensory, mobility and medical needs. I am an active member of Laurier’s Joint Health and Safety Committee and the Outstanding Women of Laurier Committee. I have also been co-chair of Laurier’s Accessibility Committee. In addition, I am engaged in graduate student research with Kathleen Clarke and recently presented findings at the Canadian Association of College and University Student Services Conference.
Dancing, reading, watching movies, listening to music and travelling.
In the past, I have supported young children up to adults with mostly learning/developmental disabilities in educational and community settings. After that, I spent four or five years supporting adults with learning/developmental and psychiatric disabilities, personality disorders, acquired brain injuries, etc. at a mental health hospital and in the community. This experience has now led me to ... Laurier! This is my first year both at Laurier and in the position. I am excited to get to know both you guys (the students) and the ALC team!
An achievement that I am most proud about would be when I participated in the establishment and coordination of Ontario and the Ministry's first ever psychiatric unit dedicated to women in correctional institutions. Practices that align with BIPOC, LGBTQ2S+, multicultural and trauma-informed care are areas of interest and exploration to me – so any project work in this area is always near and dear!
My dog Pudding, plants, baking and cooking (basically the pandemic hobbies).
I have been in this role since 2017.
I worked as a psychologist in India, where I focused on early identification of learning disabilities and provided intervention. After coming to Canada, I worked in postsecondary institutions as a learning strategist and a consultant. I am passionate about working with students and supporting them while they achieve their educational goals.
I started working at Laurier in 2010 as the Educational Support Coordinator and Learning Strategist with Accessible Learning on the Waterloo campus. I previously worked at the Thames Valley District School Board.
I have a passion for accessibility in postsecondary education. My position as an Accommodation Consultant allows me to creatively problem solve to seek equitable supports and solutions. My favourite part of the position is collaboratively working with students, faculty and staff to support accessibility, independence and student development.
Biking, skiing, snowboarding, gardening, paddle-boarding, golf, listening to podcasts and spending time with family and friends.
I have been an accommodation consultant at Laurier since 2021. Before joining Laurier, I worked for Accommodated Testing Services at the University of Toronto and Accessible Learning Services at Mohawk College.
I have been in this role since 2022. Prior to joining the Accessible Learning team, I worked in a similar role at the University of Guelph. I have worked in a variety of community and academic settings, supporting people with disabilities to access accommodations and supports. I love working with students and I am committed to the work of building a more equitable and inclusive campus and community. I completed both my undergrad and master's degrees at Laurier, so I am a Golden Hawk at heart!
In my free time, I love to read, spend time outside (hiking, canoeing, camping, swimming or just relaxing on my porch swing or hammock), play piano, hang out with family and friends and visit used bookstores.
I started working at Laurier in 2017 as the Transcription and Assistive Technology Administrator in Accessible Learning. In 2018, I was excited to add the Learning Strategist position to my role. My passion for education, coupled with my ability to encourage and support others as they strive to reach their goals, makes working in Accessible Learning a rewarding experience. Prior to my employment at Laurier, I worked at the W. Ross MacDonald School for the Blind and Visually Impaired for 13 years. I began as a Residence Counsellor and eventually transitioned into the classroom. I have experience working with students of all ages and abilities.
I have been in this role since 2005. Prior to coming to Laurier, I held a number of positions in community-based programs supporting individuals with disabilities. I am a strong advocate for self-determination and strive to be inclusive and encouraging.
I was an instructor at Conestoga College in their Languages department for seven years. When I left, I took a position with the IELTS testing department, a role that continues (test day supervisor). I've worked as a clinical supervisor for undergraduate music therapy students at Laurier and as a music therapist creating novel programs for special populations (including clients of all ages with autism spectrum disorder and physical and mental disabilities). I've been a guest lecturer on inclusion and diversity related to my MSc research on intercultural competence development at postsecondary institutions in southwestern Ontario. I continue to guest lecture at the University of Guelph for Capacity Development and Extension graduate students, specifically on the topic of community engagement related to my volunteer work in Guelph neighbourhoods with the Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition.
I have been in this role since 2003. Previously, I was on staff at the University of Waterloo's Office for Persons with Disabilities (now AccessAbility).
WLUSA Long Service Award (15 years)
I am responsible for coordinating all tests, midterms and final examinations for students registered with Accessible Learning. This includes scheduling, acquiring specialized equipment and technology, requesting and coordinating support staff and rooms for the facilitation of tests and exams.
I have been an examinations coordinator in Accessible Learning at Laurier since 2005. I have been committed for over 20 years to helping students overcome barriers that impact their learning. I am a Laurier graduate (BA’12) and have previously worked with the Ontario Ministry of Education Provincial and Demonstration Schools Branch and as a learning disabilities consultant to Literacy Practitioners throughout Ontario. I am also a member of the Gendered Violence Task Force Steering Committee.
I have worked in the field of education for most of my career and have had the pleasure of providing diverse support to those from preschool to the postsecondary setting. My heart and passion are with those who have different learning needs and disabilities.
I have worked with the LDAS to promote the use of assistive technology within the community. During that time, I created guides and workshops on how to use these different assistive technologies to help promote independent access to these wonderful supports. I was also a motivational speaker for students with learning disabilities in colleges and universities. Furthermore, I worked at Laurentian University as an assistive technologist trainer for students, teachers and support staff in school settings. During that time, I was also the Learning Initiative for Transition Coordinator for the Inclusion Support Services, assisting students who have learning needs as they transition into postsecondary education.
Now I have branched out my knowledge for assistive technology and combined it as a Learning Strategist. I enjoy providing support to students in postsecondary settings who have challenges with their learning and to walk alongside them during their academic journey.
In 2015, I returned to Laurier as a staff member. I was excited to be back with my Golden Hawk family! I started here at the Career Development Centre, supporting students with disabilities, and then transitioned to the Accessible Learning Centre for the winter semester of 2022 to take on the role of the Educational Supports Coordinator and Learning Strategist. With a background in social work and my interest and experience working with students with disabilities, this role was a perfect fit! I love working with students and getting to know them one on one so I can provide tailored supports to ensure their success at Laurier and beyond.
When I'm not at work, I enjoy spending time with my dog, Ted, and all my tropical plants (many of which are taller than me)!