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Accessible Learning 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 Accessible Learning, please share your feedback using our Feedback Form. A member of Accessible Learning leadership team will respond to your feedback in a timely manner.
I lead the overall strategic direction of Accessible Learning. Along with the Accessible Learning 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.
Accessible Learning 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 services, 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.
Clarke, K., Gibbs, H., Mcdonald, A., Parsons, J., White, M. (In press). Scaffolding trust to advance inclusive teaching through UDL: A model for academic development. International Journal for Academic Development, 1-15.
Parsons, J. & Doyle, T. (2023). Introduction to Accessibility Advising in Ontario Postsecondary Education. eCampus Ontario. LMS Importing Instructions (Word, 2.7 MB)
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. (2023). Transition and accommodation experiences of students with disabilities: A qualitative study. Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability, 36(2), 179-192.
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 worked as an accommodation consultant for 11 years before transitioning to my current role of Coordinator, Student Services & Operations.
I love working with students and collaborating with staff and faculty on continuous improvement of our students services and supports.
I joined Accessible Learning at Laurier in 2023. Before coming to Laurier, I worked in the Student Services Department at Northern College in Timmins, Ontario. I have also worked in other settings including counselling services, the Ontario Provincial Police, and mechanical contracting. Supporting students has been, and continues to be, a most enjoyable and rewarding experience.
I hold a degree from Laurier and have also worked here for 15 years. Before joining Accessible Learning, I held roles in Academic Advising, Service Laurier and Recuritment and Admissions. I bring lots of knowledge about Laurier to my role and work hard with my colleagues to respond to student queries in the moment or connect them with someone who can assist them. I enjoy the positive interactions with students and being of assistance to them.
When I am off-duty as chauffeur to my three daughters, I practice yoga, walk with Patsy Cline (my dog), snuggle with my cats, and read crime and mystery novels.
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 Accessible Learning 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 joined Accessible Learning in 2023 and work on both the Waterloo and Brantford campuses. Before joining Laurier, I worked in clinical and disability management roles. I have always enjoyed supporting others in their ability to participate in activities of daily living, including work and education.
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.
I have worked with postsecondary students since 2019. Before then, I worked in a variety of mental health and disability service settings. I have a strong understanding of disability and I have a passion for working with students and supporting their equitable learning.
I joined Accessible Learning in Spring 2024. Previously, I worked at various Ontario universities as a personal counsellor assisting students with mental health concerns.
I am passionate about supporting students in their transition to university and engaging in their studies.
Registrations
Registered Psychotherapist
I joined Accessible Learning as an accommodation consultant in January 2025. Before coming to Laurier, I worked for seven years as an educational assistant with the halton Catholic District School Board.
I enjoy working collaboratively with a diverse range of students, faculty and staff to ensure equitable access to postsecondary education.
Interests
In my free time, I like listening to music, getting outdoors, playing ultimate frisbee and socializing with friends and family.
I joined the Accommodation Consultant team at Laurier in 2023! Before joining Laurier, I worked as an Accommodation Consultant at Western University for four years. I have also worked as a community-based Occupational Therapist in Kitchener-Waterloo and with children and families in Kenora and Sandy Lake First Nation.
Creating art, biking, swimming in lakes, writing letters, and growing vegetables!
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 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.
Members of the Accommodation Services team facilitate accommodations and support services.
Assistive Technologists identify mainstream and assistive technologies that best support students in their learning and train them in how to use these technologies efficiently and effectively.
Educational Support Coordinators work with instructors to recruit volunteer note-takers, link students to qualified tutors and arrange other personal supports as required by student accommodation plans.
Exam Coordinators collaborate with instructors to schedule and administer final exams, midterms and in-class tests or quizzes for students who have exam accommodations.
Invigilation Assistants help exam coordinators, instructors, proctors and students with many exam-related details, such as printing, distributing and collecting exams, ensuring computers are working, and issues that arise during exams.
Learning Strategists design individualized learning plans that help students develop or improve their skills in studying, taking notes, planning assignments, studying for and writing exams, and time management.
Transcriptionists facilitate student access to accessible electronic or print course materials, including textbooks, course packs and other teaching materials.
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.
Before joining Accessible Learning in 2024, I worked for more than 10 years in the Office of the Dean of Students. As Student Support and Administrative Officer, I triaged inquires seeking urgent care for students and helped students, instructors and staff navigate on campus supports.
In my role as Accommodation Support Coordinator, I coordinte accommodated exams for students with disabilities on the Brantford campus. I oversee access and use of Glean (web-based notetaking program) for all students registered with Accessible Learning. I also support transition and promotion programming for Accessible Learning on the Brantford campus.
BA, Contemporary Studies, Laurier
When not working, I like to play softball, garden and listen to live music whenever I can.
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.
In 2016, I commenced PhD in Human Geography at Laurier. Since then, I have held various roles including teaching assistant and contract teaching faculty in the Geography and Environmental Studies department to graduate teaching developer in Teaching and Learning.
I joined Accessible Learning in 2021 as an invigilation assistant. I previously supported students as a learning stratgegist and now work with them as an exam coordinator.
I am dedicated to empowering students with disabilities to overcome barriers so they can achieve their best.
sdogmoc@wlu.ca I have more than a decade of experience working with people with disabilities both in education and the community, experience which helps me understand the many barriers they face when seeking equitable access.
Before joining Accessible Learning in 2021, I worked as a Testing Services Assistant at Humber College. Between October 2022 and September 2024, I also worked as an advisor with Service Laurier. This gave me a good understanding about admissions, enrollment and student financial services at Laurier.
When I’m not at work, I like outdoor recreation, dancing, reading, volunteering in the community, and spending time with my family and friends.
While completing my Honours BA in French Studies, I worked as an Instructional Assistant in the Department of Languages and Literatures.
In 2019, I joined Accessible Learning as a scribe for students with disabilities taking French language exams and began proctoring all accommodated exams shortly after. In 2022, I began working as an invigilation assistant, supporting students and proctors with in-person accommodated exams.
Giguère, F. (2022). Le froid du quartier: Analyse cantologique de cas de featurings entre Sinik et Souldia, Études canadiennes / Canadian Studies, 93, 141–153.
Giguère, F. (2022). L’hétérolinguisme au coeur du rap québécois contemporain: les cas de Loud et de Koriass, Analyses, 16(2), 139–153.
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)
In 2015, I returned to Laurier as a staff member. I was excited to be back with my Golden Hawk community, starting at the Career Development Centre where I supported students with disabilities.
In 2022, I moved to Accessible Learning taking on the role of the Educational Supports Coordinator and Learning Strategist. With a background in social work and a passion for helping students overcome barriers, I am dedicated to providing personalized, strengths-based support that empowers students to thrive academically and personally. My goal is to foster an inclusive learning environment where every student feels equipped to succeed at Laurier and beyond.
Outside of work, I enjoy time with my family, especially my son Porter and our dog Archie. I'm also an avid plant enthusiast; many of my plants are taller than me!
My career has been dedicated to enhancing student learning, accessibility, and academic success. For more than a decade, I have worked in student-centered roles like managing academic initiatives, accessibility services, and leading teaching and development programs.
Focused on students with disabilities, my graduate research used knowledge about how the learning brain retains, encodes and recalls information. This work strengthened my ability to implement evidence-based strategies that promote student success through personalized, effectve learning methods.
I am passionate about helping students with disabilities at Laurier develop the skills and strategies they need to thrive in and outside the classroom.
Messenger, B. (2015). Brain Based Education & Teaching Education.
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.