Connecting the Dots Toronto 2026 Speakers

As Senior Manager of Lenovo’s Inclusive Product Design Office, Ada leads the Diversity by Design process, driving product accessibility, education, and awareness across the company to embed inclusive design practices. Her work includes three patents pending for inclusive video-gaming accessories designed to support all gamers, including women gamers of all abilities.

Ada’s career highlights include leadership roles at Cisco and SAS Institute, where she co-authored Reach for the Stars, an award-winning accessible eTextbook on the lifecycle of stars in collaboration with NASA and the National Braille Press. A former science teacher, she continues to be inspired by her family, her students, and the educators who shaped her journey.

Back to top

Alice Clark is Senior Director of Global Strategies and Public Affairs at CNIB, where she leads national advocacy, government relations, and international initiatives focused on removing barriers and expanding opportunities for people who are blind, Deafblind or have low vision. She oversees CNIB’s International Youth Internship Program, delivered with support from Global Affairs Canada, and works closely with interns and partners to create meaningful opportunities for learning and global exchange. Alice holds a master’s degree in Political Management from Carleton University.

Back to top

Andrew Galster is a nonprofit leader with more than 15 years of experience helping charities and community organizations create meaningful impact. As Executive Director of Operations & Volunteers at CNIB, he works with teams in Ontario and across Canada to strengthen services, support volunteers, and turn big ideas into practical action.

Throughout his career, Andrew has led programs and operations serving people with disabilities, supported major organizational transformations, and championed volunteer engagement as a powerful force for community change. He is passionate about building inclusive communities where everyone has the opportunity to participate, contribute, and thrive.

As a strong ally, Andrew has dedicated much of his career to advancing accessibility, inclusion, and equity. He believes that meaningful change happens when organizations listen to lived experience, remove barriers, and create opportunities for people to reach their full potential. 

Back to top

Since joining the CNIB team in 2011, Angela Bonfanti has been a driving force behind many of our organization’s most transformational achievements for Canada’s community of people impacted by blindness, and a vocal advocate for accessibility and inclusivity for all people living with disabilities. Having close ties to sight loss in her personal life, Angela has been a lifelong champion of the rights of Canadians living with blindness, Deafblindness, or low vision. Throughout her tenure with CNIB in various senior roles, she has been instrumental in shaping our organization’s strategies and moving the needle on a number of issues faced by people with sight loss in Canada.

Back to top

Caitlin McClung serves as the Public Policy Lead for Waymo Canada. She is responsible for working with all levels of government to introduce Waymo to Canadians. Part of her role involves working with governments and public agencies to enable greater independence in how people travel by striving for integrated multi-modal transportation that supports a Vision Zero Road Safety plan.

Caitlin has spent the last 20 years working in public policy in both the government and the private sector.    

Back to top

Dave Brown is a longtime broadcaster and producer with nearly two decades of experience in the media industry. Dave is passionate about platforming authentic representations of the disability community through his work with AMI.  Dave is a proud member of the albinism community.

Back to top

Diane Bergeron is Head of Global Strategies and Senior Vice-President of Public Affairs at the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB). Alongside her guide dog, Natie, Diane is a dedicated leader who works tirelessly to break down barriers for people with disabilities.  After losing her sight due to retinitis pigmentosa, Diane spent 13 years in government before joining CNIB.

Back to top

Duane Morgan is the Executive Director, Operations for CNIB in Newfoundland and Labrador, bringing nearly two decades of leadership experience with the organization and more than 40 years of lived experience as a person with significant sight loss. Having first connected with CNIB as a client, volunteer, and later employee, Duane offers a unique perspective that combines personal experience with professional expertise in supporting individuals who are blind or have low vision.  

In his current role, Duane provides executive oversight for CNIB's Adjustment to Sight Loss programs, designed to address the emotional and psychological impacts of vision loss. He also serves as the executive sponsor for CNIB's legal support programs and provided oversight during their development, helping to expand access to information, resources, and advocacy for people facing barriers and discrimination related to sight loss.

Drawing on both his professional leadership and personal journey, Duane is passionate about creating opportunities for meaningful conversations about the realities of vision loss, including its emotional impact on individuals, families, and communities. His work is guided by a commitment to ensuring that people affected by sight loss have access to the supports they need to thrive.  
 

Back to top

Eric Newman is a technical sales professional with Synapse ITS, supporting transportation agencies across the Northeast United States and Eastern Canada. With extensive experience in the transportation industry, Eric works closely with agencies and industry partners to advance pedestrian accessibility and safety through accessible pedestrian signal (APS) technology. His work includes providing technical guidance, training, and support for the deployment of Polara accessibility solutions, helping communities create safer and more accessible crossings for people who are blind or have low vision.

Back to top

Holly Stevens is a current Master of Business Administration (MBA) student with over five years of experience in US Government Contracting. Last year after a move to Canada, she pivoted to pursue non-profit experience via the International Youth Internship Program (IYIP). Throughout the summer, she leveraged her previous experience in governance to research the onboarding process for new directors. She also assisted her host organization in planning and data management for their regional conference in Johannesburg, South Africa 

Back to top

Jade Ondrik is a passionate advocate, fundraiser, athlete, and accessibility leader committed to creating more inclusive and accessible communities.

Jade’s journey to CNIB began long before her current role in philanthropy. She spent two summers working at CNIB Lake Joe, where she supported campers and helped create memorable, inclusive experiences. She also worked virtually as Lake Joe’s Music Specialist, combining her passion for music with her commitment to accessibility and connection.

Today, Jade works as a Major Gifts Officer with CNIB, building meaningful relationships with donors and supporters to advance opportunities for people who are blind or have low vision. She previously worked with CNIB Guide Dogs, focusing on recruitment and engagement of volunteer puppy raisers who help prepare future guide dogs for people who are blind or low vision.

Outside of her professional work, Jade is a dedicated goalball athlete who has competed at the national level. With lived experience of low vision and albinism, she is passionate about using sport as a platform for leadership, connection, and inclusion. She is also involved in the international goalball community through her work with the IBSA Goalball Committee.

Across her work, sport, and volunteer involvement, Jade is passionate about creating spaces where people feel welcomed, heard, and empowered.

Jade is excited to serve as today’s emcee and help bring the conference’s conversations, ideas, and people together. 
 

Back to top

Jane is a Canadian entrepreneur, businesswoman, a former President and CEO, writer, communications expert, community volunteer and sailor.  She founded Result Inc. in 1981, a company that specialized in corporate and marketing communications based in Calgary, Alberta. Result carved out a unique niche in Canada as the first company to offer comprehensive preparation and presentation of annual reports and investor communications. For over 25 years, Result worked with clients across Canada, providing advice and production of communication programs targeting investors, employees, environmental groups and government. Clients included energy companies, retail firms, sports franchises and governments.  Under Jane’s leadership, Result developed a reputation for quality in the writing, design and production of client material and was recognized with many national and international awards. Result was acquired by Hill & Knowlton Canada in July 2006. 

Jane is a graduate of Carleton University with a degree in English and Journalism.  She earned the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors. Prior to starting Result she worked as a business journalist and editor for several publications including Canadian Business, Business Life in Western Canada and Canadian Petroleum. Her work achieved national recognition with the National Journalism Award of Business Writing in 1982; the Canadian Petroleum Association Award for Journalism the same year; and the Southam President’s Award in 1981 for Innovation and Excellence.

In addition to an active business career, Jane has also been involved in the community on a variety of volunteer boards and committees. She was the Chair of the Board of Directors of YMCA Calgary; a member of the Board of Directors of the Calgary Women’s Emergency Centre; and served on the Board of WinSport Canada. She acted as Co-Chair of the Cabinet for the University of Victoria’s new Centre of Recreation, Athletics and Special Abilities (CARSA). Jane is currently the Chair-Elect of the National Board of Directors of the CNIB (Canadian National Institute for the Blind) where she has also served as Chair of the Governance Committee, Strategy Committee and Co Chair of the Guide Dogs Campaign. She is also the Member Representative for the National Board of Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada.  

Back to top

Jane Shannon is Senior Manager, Accessibility Program at Scotiabank, where she supports enterprise initiatives related to accessibility and inclusion, including compliance with the Accessible Canada Act, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, and the Code of Conduct for the Delivery of Banking Services to Seniors.

Throughout her career, Jane has contributed to a range of client-focused and regulatory initiatives, including the design and implementation of the Canadian Financial Consumer Protection Framework at Scotiabank. She brings more than 25 years of experience across client experience, marketing, communications, and public affairs, and is passionate about advancing inclusion and improving outcomes for clients and employees.

Prior to joining Scotiabank, Jane worked in Communications at CNIB, making her participation in this year's conference a meaningful full-circle moment.

Back to top

Jasdeep Sandhu is a recent Bachelor of Commerce graduate in Accounting from the University of Guelph who brings together an interest in finance with a passion for accessibility and inclusion. As someone who is blind, Jasdeep has turned his lived experience into practical work, contributing to financial research and accounting projects while also testing digital platforms for accessibility through CNIB. His journey has shown him that accessibility is not just about removing barriers—it is about creating opportunities for people to participate, contribute, and succeed. 

Back to top

Jen graduated with a certificate in Emergency Management through the Justice Institute of BC in 2019 and presently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Emergency and Security Management through the same post-secondary institution. Currently, sits on the “Accessibility Advisory Committee” through JIBC. She is the Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Accessibility Director for the Canadian Risk and Hazard Network and is a member of BC Emergency Managers and BC Earthquake Alliance. She volunteers her time doing advocacy and lobbying for Intervenor Services for the CNIB Deafblind Community Services (DBCS) in British Columbia and chairs the National DBCS Advocacy Group.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jen had renewed interest in getting back into the Deaf, blind and Deafblind community with an emphasis on Emergency Management and Accessibility. As a person with lived experience and passion to educate others, starting a consulting business with my interest seemed like a good fit. There are limited research and resources; however, Jen continues to work with individuals and organizations to collaborate together to community resiliency

Back to top

Matt Baker is Vice President of Intersection Sales at Synapse ITS, where he supports the advancement of safer and more accessible transportation infrastructure across North America. With extensive experience in the traffic technology industry, Matt has played a key role in expanding the adoption of Polara accessible pedestrian signal solutions and works closely with agencies and industry partners to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility. He is also involved in advancing new accessibility technologies, including connected APS solutions designed to support people who are blind or have low vision.

Back to top

Simon Dey is the Business Operations & Finance Lead at OneCourt, a Seattle company that helps blind and low-vision fans follow live sports through touch. Its handheld device turns live game data into vibrations fans can feel in real time. Simon joined when OneCourt was a University of Washington student project and became its first employee. His favorite moment so far: bringing OneCourt to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

Back to top

Suzanne Decary has 20+ years of experience in the field of vision loss. A Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (CVRT) with a background in Psychology, Suzanne started her career at CNIB as a Vision Rehabilitation Therapist delivering client-centered rehabilitation services to individuals of all ages impacted by blindness and low vision before moving into management. In her current role as Senior Vice-President of CNIB, Programs, Suzanne oversees Programs and Operations across the country and is the executive lead for CNIB’s work with children, youth and families. She is committed to removing barriers for Canadians living with sight loss and has a special interest in the areas of education equity and inclusive communities.    

Back to top

Tamar Bresge is a writer, interdisciplinary artist, educator, and disability advocate whose work explores embodiment, perception, access, and the creative possibilities of sensory experience. As a low-vision and low-hearing person, she is particularly interested in how experimental approaches to language and art can communicate experiences of disability that resist easy translation of the body.

Tamar holds dual MFAs in Creative Writing from California Institute of the Arts and Interdisciplinary Studio Art from Tufts University. Alongside her artistic and teaching practice, she is an experienced public speaker on disability, accessibility, and creative practice, including a keynote for the Foundation Fighting Blindness and a TEDx talk at Tufts University. She currently teaches creative and critical writing at California Institute of the Arts, where her approach to education emphasizes curiosity, vulnerability, access, and community care.

Back to top

Jennifer Urosevic is President and CEO of Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada (VLRC), a national health service provider supporting Canadians who are blind deafblind or have low vision. She chairs the Vision Health Partners Coalition and co-chairs Academy of Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Educational Professionals International Advisory Committee, working to close global gaps in Orientation and Mobility certification and workforce capacity. Jen is an active member of the Canadian College of Health Leaders and holds LEADS certification, reflecting her ongoing commitment to strong, values-based healthcare leadership.

She began her career as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist and Early Childhood Vision Consultant, progressing through management and executive leadership roles within CNIB and then VLRC, and brings that frontline experience to her leadership in vision health policy and system change today.

Back to top

Joel Biju Mathen is a marketing and technology professional with experience in marketing automation, research, and data analytics. He currently works as a Marketing Automation Intern at Dayforce, where he supports large-scale, multi-market campaigns using Marketo and works with campaign and event data. He previously worked as a international youth intern with CNIB, supporting digital content management, quality assurance, and partner training. Joel holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Business Technology Management from Toronto Metropolitan University and is currently pursuing a Postgraduate Certificate in Data Analytics at Humber College.  . 

Back to top

Johnjoe Farragher is President and Chief Executive Officer of Hadley, a nonprofit helping people navigate life with vision loss beyond the clinical setting.

With a background in education technology and organizational growth, Johnjoe brings an entrepreneurial mindset to Hadley’s next chapter. He believes nonprofit leaders have a responsibility to help their organizations fulfill their full potential — not for growth alone, but to ensure more people can find and use the support they need.

At Hadley, that means making practical guidance, emotional support, authentic connection, and expert-informed resources easier to access, easier to share, and available without cost or waitlists. Johnjoe is helping lead Hadley’s work to co-create the standard of care for living with vision loss beyond the clinical setting, in partnership with community members, clinicians, experts, and partners.

A native of Evanston, Illinois, Johnjoe is a graduate of Marquette University and Loyola University.

Back to top

Malini Ondrovcik, MA, RP, CCC,  (pronunciation: MAL-uh-nee ON-DROV-CHICK) is a Registered Psychotherapist, Clinical Director, and mental health expert with more than a decade of experience in clinical practice, program development, clinical supervision, executive leadership, and multidisciplinary rehabilitation. As Clinical Director of OSR Clinics, she provides clinical leadership across a six-location organization specializing in psychological and psychoeducational assessment, first responder mental health, qEEG-guided neurofeedback, and rehabilitation services.

Malini’s work extends beyond clinical practice into community leadership, advocacy, consultation, and systems-level conversations surrounding mental health, disability, accessibility, learning, and inclusion. She serves on CNIB’s Strategic Leadership Council and the Board of Directors of the Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario, and has contributed to initiatives focused on improving access to mental health and assessment services for individuals and families across Ontario.

Her professional work is also deeply informed by lived experience. Malini lives with significant vision loss, giving her a firsthand understanding of the psychological, practical, and systemic realities of navigating disability and blindness. She brings this intersection of clinical expertise, leadership, advocacy, and lived experience to her work supporting more inclusive, trauma-informed, and psychologically responsive systems of care. 

Back to top

Maxine Williams is the Vice President of Accessibility at Meta, where she is part of the Global External Affairs team. Her mandate spans product and policy as she works to ensure Meta's products are accessible, valuable, and usable for everyone, regardless of abilities. Maxine works closely with product, engineering, design, and policy teams to prioritize accessibility across Meta's products and services, and maintains relationships with the disability community to ensure their needs and expectations are met.

Maxine has worked as an attorney in criminal, civil, and industrial courts, and with multiple international organizations on development and human rights issues. She has had a career as a broadcast journalist, actress, and on-air presenter. She has served as an independent director on the boards of two publicly traded companies and is a board member of the Roundabout Theatre Company (New York). She serves on the Yale University Council as an advisor to the University's President, and on the boards of the Sandberg Goldberg Bernthal Family Foundation and the Lean In Foundation.  

She graduated from Yale University before receiving her law degree with first class honors from Oxford University, where she was a Rhodes Scholar. 

Back to top

Mehak Aziz is currently pursuing a honours BA in psychology at York University. She recently gained international experience through CNIB’s international youth internship program (IYIP) where she assisted the St Lucia Blind Welfare Association with research and project development. During her placement, Mehak focussed on strengthening their emergency preparedness plan. Currently she works with TTC riders. where she advocates for accessible transit for all individuals with diverse needs. Recently, Mehak had the opportunity to travel to South Africa to support The International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment with their regional conference, where she also had the opportunity to speak about the importance of inclusive, physical education and sports, With these experiences, Mehak hopes to pursue a long-term career in human rights law and continue to advocate for accessibility and inclusive education for persons who are visually impaired.

Back to top

After nearly 20 years in the retail sector, Patrick discovered his true passion in the not-for-profit world and is committed to CNIB’s mission of supporting its community of Canadians who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision. As Chief Operating Officer at CNIB, Patrick oversees several key business units, ensuring the organization’s strategies align with its mission and vision. Drawing on his background in human resources, Patrick’s leadership philosophy centres on creating a positive, inclusive work environment that empowers employees at all levels. He is fortunate to work with dedicated professionals who are united in their commitment to change what it means to be blind in Canada today.

Back to top

Razan Eltayeb, M.S.Ed., CATIS, CVRT, is a doctoral researcher in Vision Science at Université de Montréal’s School of Optometry. A former assistive technology specialist, braille instructor, and vision rehabilitation therapist, she draws on research, direct service, personal experience, and video game design to examine how artificial intelligence, telerehabilitation, and gamification can advance education, employment, independent living, and equitable access to rehabilitation. 

Back to top

Waldo Beauséjour is a quantitative economist, data strategist, and applied research leader who specializes in translating evidence into action. He is Director, Data Insights and Applied Research at Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada (VLRC), where he leads work on data governance, impact measurement, client experience, equity, reach and unmet need, program evaluation, and applied research. In this role, he supports national and regional teams in using data and evidence to strengthen service delivery, improve outcomes, and inform strategic decision-making.

Before joining VLRC, Waldo spent several years in the digital health sector, leading and contributing to national research and analytics initiatives focused on digital health equity, virtual care, interoperability, artificial intelligence in primary care, and the adoption and value of digital health technologies. His work included major national surveys of patients, nurses, physicians, and clinicians, as well as the evaluation of AI scribes in Canadian primary care.

Waldo has co-authored peer-reviewed and policy-oriented publications on digital health, interoperability, nursing practice, pan-Canadian collaboration, artificial intelligence in primary care, and the environmental benefits of virtual care. His recent Longwoods publication, Electronic Access to and Exchange of Patient Information Among Physicians Practising in Canada, examines findings from the 2024 Infoway–Canadian Medical Association physician survey and highlights the need for stronger interoperability and data-sharing frameworks. He also contributed to Canada Health Infoway’s AI scribe evaluation, which found that AI scribes can help reduce administrative burden, improve documentation timeliness, and support clinicians in focusing more fully on patient care.

He has presented nationally on digital health, survey research, and data analytics, and has extensive experience evaluating government-funded health initiatives and advising teams on practical outcome indicators at both the client and system levels. He holds a master’s degree in Applied Economics and has a strong background in statistics, survey methods, and evaluation. 

Back to top