Minding Our Minds Conference | Supporting Student Neurodiversity
Where: Alumni Hall, Victoria University
About this Event: Now in its 11th year, the Minding Our Minds Conference takes a bold stance in addressing the pressing issue of student mental health on campus with the theme "Supporting Student Neurodiversity and Student Wellness". Brought to you by The Office of the Dean of Students at Victoria University and Student Life Programs & Services at the University of Toronto, this event unites a diverse range of stakeholders, including students, administrators, faculty, healthcare professionals, student affairs leaders, psychologists, and residence dons, with the objective of exploring the most critical mental health challenges confronting universities.
Conference Program
9:00 – 9:30 A.M. – Registration and light breakfast
Foyer, Victoria College Building
9:30 – 9:45 A.M. – Welcome, Land Acknowledgement, and Okanagan Charter Signing
Alumni Hall, Victoria College Building
- Kelley Castle, Dean of Students, Victoria University
- Heather Kelly, Executive Director, Student Life Programs & Services, University of Toronto
- Rhonda McEwen (President) and Senior Leadership, Victoria University
- Shane Joy, President, VUSAC
- Kacy Lin, President, ECSS
10:00 – 11:00 A.M. – Opening Keynote "Collectively advancing post-secondary supports for ASD/autistic students in Higher Education: Learnings from across the country"
Alumni Hall and Online via Zoom Webinar at This Link
- Jonathan Lai Executive Director, Autism Alliance of Canada and Adjunct Faculty at the University of Toronto
- Simone Daniels, Research Assistant, Autism Alliance of Canada
11:00 – 11:15 A.M. – Refreshment Break
Foyer, Victoria College Building
11:15 A.M. – 12:30 P.M. – Practitioners and Researchers Panel
“Insights and Strategies to Improve Post-Secondary Educational Experiences & Outcomes for Students with ASD/Autistic Students”
Alumni Hall and Online via Zoom Webinar at This Link
- Heather Morgan, PhD Student, Emmanuel College, University of Toronto
- Dr. Jason Manett, Academic and Life Skills Coach, The Redpath Centre
- Carolyn Tinglin, PhD Candidate, Education Equity in Educational Theory and Practice, Simon Fraser University
12:30 – 1:30 P.M. – Lunch Break
Foyer, Victoria College Building
1:30 – 2:45 P.M. – Student Voices Panel
“Enabling Our Strengths & Talents: Experiences of Neurodiverse and Autistic Students”
Alumni Hall, Victoria College Building
2:45 – 3:00 P.M. – Refreshment Break
Foyer, Victoria College Building
3:00 – 4:00 P.M. – Workshops (Concurrent Sessions)
- We Get By With A Little Help From Our Friends: Collective Autistic Self-Advocacy in Post-Secondary Institutions.
Carolyn Tinglin, Education Equity in Educational Theory and Practice, Simon Fraser University
Alumni Hall and Online via Zoom Webinar at This Link - Unmasking Autism in One-to-One Interactions: Agency, Autonomy and Embodiment as strategies to improve coaching, mentorship, and support between staff and students.
Heather Morgan, PhD Student, Emmanuel College, University of Toronto
Wymilwood Lounge, Goldring Student Centre (150, Charles St. West) - Designing for Participation in the Classroom and the University Community for ASD Students.
Irene Sullivan, Taite Lehov, Sabrina Paglia, U of T Accessibility Services
Copper Room, Goldring Student Centre (150, Charles St. West) - Neurodiversity - Sensory Experiences and Wellbeing
Jess Lopez, Neurodiversity Support Advisor, University of Calgary
Online via Zoom Meetings at this link
4:00 – 4:30 P.M. – Closing Remarks
Alumni Hall, Victoria College Building