Introducing Angie Conrad, UM’s first Anti-ableism and Age-inclusivity specialist

The Office of Equity Transformation (OET) is pleased to welcome Angie Conrad to the newly established role of Anti-Ableism and Age-Inclusivity Specialist.

OET provides leadership and coordination for UM’s foundational commitment to advance equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility for our community. The new position was created to lead strategic coordination and collaboration between UM units and individuals responsible for anti-ableism, accessibility, and age-inclusivity, and to build institutional capacity in these areas.

“This new role signals UM’s commitment to advancing anti-ableism, accessibility, and age-inclusivity in a systemic and sustained way,” says Tina Chen, Vice-Provost (Equity). “As Anti-Ableism and Age-Inclusivity Specialist, Angie will lead the development of strategic frameworks and action plans, as well as the coordination of university-wide education and training, supporting a more connected and intentional approach to accessibility and inclusion.”

Angie joined the OET team on June 9, bringing extensive education and experience in accessibility and anti-ableism practice, policy, programs, and services. She holds an undergraduate degree in Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies from the University of Calgary and a Master in Public Administration from the University of Manitoba.

Her professional background includes a range of program and policy development. Most recently, she held the position of Manager of Accessibility Policy at Canada Post. Prior to that, she worked in neurodevelopmental services with the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (Mental Health and Addictions), in adult disability services with the Province of Manitoba, and for more than a decade with New Directions delivering social services to children, youth, adults, and families.

In addition to her professional experience, Angie is an active community volunteer. She currently serves as a member of the Technical Committee for Accessibility Standards Canada and as Chair of the Accessibility and Inclusion Advisory Committee of the City of Winnipeg’s Human Rights Committee of Council.

Describing her approach to this new role, Angie sees herself as a connector – an enabler of change. “In the few short weeks that I’ve been here, I’ve seen that there is already important work happening across the university in accessibility and inclusion,” she says. “Part of my role will be to help amplify those efforts so others can learn from them and adopt similar initiatives, while also identifying areas where we can grow together.”

She adds, “As a place committed to learning, curiosity, and innovation, UM is uniquely positioned to develop and implement practices rooted in anti-ableism, accessibility, and inclusion. Each year, we welcome new people to the UM community who bring fresh ideas and perspectives while still considering the voices of current community members. That combination of diversity and energy can drive meaningful, lasting change – and I’m excited to be a part of it.”

Anti-ableism resources

Visit OET’s anti-ableism webpage for a variety of resources including:

• Results from the Dismantling Ableism Survey, part of the project Dismantling Ableism for Persons with Disabilities: Institutional Action and Accountability. The survey gathered insights from UM community members who identify as disabled or as having chronic health conditions.
• Educational resources, created by Cade Kuehl, PhD candidate and coordinator for the above project, to support learning around key concepts and definitions related to anti-ableism.