We use cookies on this site to enhance your experience.
By selecting “Accept” and continuing to use this website, you consent to the use of cookies.
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.
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. (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'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 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 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 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 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.
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 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 coordinate accommodated tests, midterms, and final exams for students registered with Accessible Learning.
I joined Accessible Learning in 2015 and have been supporting students to overcome barriers that impact their learning for over 20 years. 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.
Before joining Accessible Learning at Laurier, I worked as a Test Centre Administrator for Prometric Testing and Invigilator for Paragon Testing. I also have experience proctoring in-house exams.
I am a musician and I enjoy singing and performing.
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 and later worked as an exam coordinator. I now support students in my work as Educational Support Coordinator and Learning Strategist.
I enjoy helping students develop tailored learning plans and strategies that address their unique learning needs. I am dedicated to empowering students with disabilities to overcome barriers so they can achieve their best.
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)!
I have dipped my toes into everything postsecondary accessibility services. Before joining Accessible Learning at Laurier in 2023, I previously worked as an accommodation consultant, assistive technologist, accommodated exam manager, and integrated services coordinator (e.g., ASL, Computerized and Peer Note Taking, etc.).
I also sit on the editorial board of the Including Disability Journal which uses cross-disciplinary, cross-disability, and cross-sectional approaches to examine the large-scale technological, cultural, and legal barriers that people with disabilities face, and offers innovative approaches to eliminating those barriers.