iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

NEADS @myneads.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Today, we celebrate the retirement of our National Coordinator, Frank Smith. Please join us in wishing Frank a happy, healthy, and fulfilling retirement. May this next chapter bring abundant opportunities for rest, joy, and new experiences. Congratulations and thank you, Frank!

Retirement graphic celebrating Frank Smith, National Coordinator, featuring his portrait and the text ‘Celebrating Your Retirement.’

Retirement message graphic with a light blue background and two pale blue heart icons. A white rounded rectangle contains a message celebrating Frank Smith after 40 years of dedicated leadership, service, and meaningful contributions as National Coordinator. The message recognizes his guidance, compassion, and commitment to Canadian post-secondary students, thanks him for his contributions, and wishes him a joyful, fulfilling, and well-deserved retirement. The graphic is signed ‘With love and appreciation, NEADS.’

Photo collage celebrating Frank Smith’s career and retirement. The collage includes multiple photographs of Frank with colleagues and community members at meetings, conferences, and other professional events. It also shows Frank speaking at a meeting, holding a NEADS service-provider sign, giving a thumbs-up, and posing with individuals in office and conference settings. The photos highlight his professional relationships, leadership, and service.

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NEADS @myneads.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

NEADS looks to remind post-secondary students of their right to vote and the many ways on how to vote in what is most accessible to them! For more information on how to vote within your own riding and province, please visit buff.ly/tmJBRWG #AccessibleVoting #ElectionsCanada #DisabilityRights

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NEADS @myneads.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

CanAssist is looking to connect with students who identify as requiring a custom assistive technology solution that could support their success in post-secondary education and future employment! To learn more and apply, visit: buff.ly/AJPB2bl

Illustration of stick people receiving and using custom assistive technology. Text reads "Free custom assistive tech for post-secondary students"

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NEADS @myneads.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

While June is a time of pride for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, July is Pride Month for the disability community, a time to take pride in our ourselves, our identities, our communities & our culture. Though the month is coming to an end, we would like to wish you all a very happy Disability Pride Month!

On an ombre background of seafoam-green to light blue, dark blue text reads "Happy DISABILITY PRIDE MONTH!" The Disability Pride flag - red, yellow, white, blue, and green diagonal stripes on a dull black background - flies from a brown pole in the center of the graphic.

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NEADS @myneads.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

NEW RELEASE! NEADS is thrilled to announce the release of the Building Employment Pathways for People with Disabilities Toolkit, an evidence-based resource designed to help Canadian employers create more inclusive & accessible workplaces for persons with disabilities. #EmployerResource #NewRelease

A minimalistic navy blue icon of a lightbulb surrounded by a cog is centered on a light blue background. In the same dark blue, text reads: "TOOLKIT: BUILDING EMPLOYMENT PATHWAYS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES". Small text in the bottom right corner says "Learn more" with an arrow pointing to the right. The image is framed in navy blue with the @myNEADS handle in white at the bottom.

Navy blue text over a light blue background reads: "WHAT IS IT? An evidence-based resource developed to help Canadian employers create more inclusive workplaces. The resources contained within the toolkit provide practical, research-informed guidance to support the recruitment, retention, accommodation, and advancement of employees with disabilities." Small text in the bottom right corner says "Learn more" with an arrow pointing to the right. The image is framed in navy blue with the @myNEADS handle in white at the bottom.

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NEADS @myneads.bsky.social · 06/06/2026

It's the end of #NationalAccessAbilityWeek 2026! Today we challenge you to consider: What are YOU doing to make your community more accessible for all? Identifying what we COULD do to build an #AccessibleCanada means little if we don't also follow through with action. Let's take action together!

Alt 5: A large white thought bubble on a light blue background reads "What are you doing to make your own community more accessible to all?" ‘You’ and ‘accessible’ are highlighted in yellow. Above this, "Question 5" is written in bubbly text next to a big yellow question mark. Below the thought bubble dark blue text reads "We want to hear from you! Tell us your answers in the comments!" Small header text reads "National AccessAbility Week 2026" while the handle @myNEADS is in the footer.

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NEADS @myneads.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

#NationalAccessAbilityWeek 2026 is almost over, and today we are asking you to name or tag a leader who has made your community more accessible. Let's celebrate the people who make a difference in our lives by shouting them out in the comments & reminding them their hard work is appreciated! #NAAW

A large white thought bubble on a light blue background reads "Name or tag a leader who has made your community more accessible". ‘Your community’ is highlighted in yellow. Above this, "Question 4" is written in bubbly text next to a big yellow question mark. Below the thought bubble dark blue text reads "We want to hear from you! Tell us your answers in the comments!" Small header text reads "National AccessAbility Week 2026" while the handle @myNEADS is in the footer.

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NEADS @myneads.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

#NAAW Question #3! What is one accessibility measure that has made a difference in your life? This #NationalAccessAbility Week, let's spread some positivity & hope by sharing what accessibility measures have made a positive difference in our own lives. #InclusionMatters #AccessibilityMatters

A large white thought bubble on a light blue background asks "What is one accessibility measure that has made a difference in your life?" ‘Accessibility measure’ is highlighted in yellow. Above this, "Question 3" is written in bubbly text next to a big yellow question mark. Below the thought bubble dark blue text reads "We want to hear from you! Tell us your answers in the comments!" The small header text reads "National AccessAbility Week 2026" and the handle @myNEADS is in the footer.

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NEADS @myneads.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

It's #NationalAccessAbilityWeek, and we are back with another question! What is one action we can take TODAY to create a more inclusive & accessible Canada? Share your thoughts in the comments; we want to hear from YOU! Did you see yesterday's question? Be sure to share your thoughts there too!

A large white thought bubble on a light blue background asks "What is one action we can take today to create a more inclusive & accessible Canada?" Inclusive and accessible are highlighted in yellow. Above the bubble large bubbly text reads "Question 2" next to a yellow question mark. Below the thought bubble dark blue text reads "We want to hear from you! Tell us your answers in the comments!" The header says "National AccessAbility Week 2026" with the handle @myNEADS in the footer.

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NEADS @myneads.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

It's National AccessAbility Week 2026 and this year's theme is "Building a Strong, Accessible Canada." We want to know: What does building a strong, accessible Canada mean to you? #NAAW2026 #NationalAccessAbilityWeek #InclusionMatters #AccessibilityMatters #DisabilityInclusion #DisabilityJustice

A large white thought bubble on a light blue background asks "What does building a strong, accessible Canada mean to you?" Strong and Accessible are highlighted in yellow. Above the bubble large bubbly text reads "Question 1" next to a yellow question mark. Below the thought bubble dark blue text reads "We want to hear from you! Tell us your answers in the comments!" The header says "National AccessAbility Week 2026" with the handle @myNEADS in the footer.

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NEADS @myneads.bsky.social · 30/05/2026

Come meet the NEADS team and celebrate NAAW with us this Wednesday, June 3rd, in Ottawa ON! NEADS is thrilled to be partnering with CCRW at their #NationalAccessAbilityWeek (NAAW) event along with uOttawa Career Corner, La Cité, and Neil Squire Society on Wednesday, June 3rd, from 10AM - 3PM.

Poster announcing the CCRW NAAW Strength Through Partnership event. The date is in large yellow text: Wednesday, June 03, 2026. The location is listed as the CCRW office, 130 Albert Street, Suite 1103, 11th Floor, ON, K1P 5G4. Time 10:00 AM - 3:00PM. Includes logos for CCRW, Government of Canada, and event partners Coin carrière Career Corner, Neil Squire Society, NEADS, and Collège La Cité.

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NEADS @myneads.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

(1/2) A research study in BC is currently recruiting Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind students attending college or university in British Columbia. For more information, please contact the researchers at: research.postsec@gmail.com #ParticipantsNeeded #ResearchStudy

A research poster titled "Participants needed for a study about postsecondary experiences of students/alumni who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind". We are looking for more current Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind students from institutions in BC. In appreciation of your time, you will receive a $75 gift card for participation in a focus group. For more info, contact us at: research.postsec@gmail.com The study has been ethically reviewed and approved by the Royal Roads University Research Ethics Board (Battalova: 6/27/2025).The study is supported by SSHRC Partnership Engage Grant.

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NEADS @myneads.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

(1/4) Let's explore the interconnection between arts & disability advocacy together! Join NEADS for a virtual Coffee House on March 23rd, from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm ET, as participants of our project titled ‘Housing and the Politics of Access: An Art-Based Inquiry’ present their final art pieces.

An invitation with blue text on a white background that reads "You are hereby invited to... An Arts-Based Coffee House! Join NEADS as we explore the interconnection between art and disability advocacy in this arts-based virtual Coffee House. Monday March 23, 2026 at 11:30am; ASL Interpretation & Closed Captioning will be available; Registration is required; This event is part of 'Housing and the Politics of Access: An Art-Based Inquiry', a project in partnership with the Canadian Centre for Housing Rights (CCHR)". There is a blue frame around the invitation and yellow accents in the corners.

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NEADS @myneads.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

📣 Participants needed for a compensated research opportunity! 📣 A Master's student from Wilfrid Laurier University is looking for approximately 20 autistic adults to take part in a qualitative study of factors related to burnout in current and former autistic university students.

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NEADS @myneads.bsky.social · 26/02/2026

(français à suivre) Join us for our Annual General Meeting on March 28, 2026, from 1:00-2:30 pm ET. This event will showcase the various initiatives undertaken by our Board and staff, as well as provide an opportunity for community members to ask questions. Register here: buff.ly/gW29nti

Blue text reads "You are invited to NEADS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - MARCH 28, 2026; 1:00 - 2:30 PM ET; REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED". An illustrated female-presenting person with long black hair and blue shirt is on a laptop; the laptop screen shows she is in a virtual meeting with 3 other people.

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NEADS @myneads.bsky.social · 17/02/2026

Did you miss our Building Pathways to Employment Project workshop in October? Did you know you can watch recordings of the event in both English and French on our YouTube channel? Watch the workshop and more at buff.ly/Yn0qLme #Workshop #NEADSPathways #DisabledEmployment #DisabilityInclusion #AI

White text on dark blue background reads "USING AI FOR ACCOMMODATIONS & NAVIGATING DISCLOSURE AT WORK; HANNAH BROWN, PATHWAYS COACH; RACHEL MAISLIN, PATHWAYS COACH; Building Employment Pathways Project; Recordings now available on YouTube". There are headshots of Hannah and Rachel smiling above their names.

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NEADS @myneads.bsky.social · 14/01/2026

(1/3) ✨#CommunitySpotlight ✨ This week at NEADS we're spotlighting the Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work (CCRW)! CCRW is a national not-for-profit organization that exists to promote and support meaningful and equitable employment of persons with disabilities.

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NEADS @myneads.bsky.social · 12/01/2026

‼️Apply now!‼️ Enrolment for the Building Pathways to Employment program has been extended until end of day, January 16th! With this extension, students can receive up to 15 hours of free, one-on-one job coaching over an 8-week period, ending March 13th. Learn more and apply at buff.ly/1X5DKpY

Enrolment poster with text on the left side over a dark blue background. Large title in yellow and white reads "LAST CHANCE TO APPLY!" Light blue subtitle reads "FREE CAREER COACHING FOR POST-SECONDARY STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES!" while a white box contains the text "NEW DEADLINE: JANUARY 16TH!" Small yellow text reads "apply now at: breakingitdown.neads.ca". Right side of poster is white with a shaking alarm clock.

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NEADS @myneads.bsky.social · 26/12/2025

(1/3) As 2025 comes to a close, we’re reflecting with gratitude on what this community has achieved together. Thanks to your generosity, advocacy, and shares, we’ve raised $670 toward our $20,000 goal. #FundraisingFriday #ThankYou #CanadaCharity #AccessibilityInAction #FundAccess

Yellow text on blue background reads "THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY; learn more at canadahelps.org". Above the text, a small open palm holds two hearts with a $. Gold foil confetti glitters in the upper corners. A variety of hands are raised along the bottom along with small floating pink hearts.

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NEADS @myneads.bsky.social · 20/12/2025

(1/3) This #FundraisingFriday, your business or organization could be the next to make education more accessible. Your business can make a direct impact by sponsoring a $2,000 grant. Each grant helps offset real, disability-related costs so students can stay enrolled and complete their studies.

White text on dark blue background reads "The NEADS Financial Assistance Program Needs Your Help", with 'your' emphasized in yellow. In a light blue box, an individual in a wheelchair points up at white text that reads "Your business can be the next to make education accessible". They seems to be wearing medical scrubs with a stethoscope in their pocket and are missing one of their limbs from the knee down. Next to them white text reads "Partner with NEADS to help us remove financial barriers to education." In the header, #FundraisingFriday is white on red with @myNEADS in the opposite corner in white. In the footer, a computer mouse points to a red "DONATE NOW" button next to white text that reads "Help us reach our goal: Together we can make a difference". 'Can' is emphasized in yellow.

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NEADS @myneads.bsky.social · 12/12/2025

It's #FundraisingFriday! NEADS has awarded over $1.35 million to 745 students with disabilities across Canada. In 2024, a record 910 students applied—proof that the need has never been greater. Donate at buff.ly/Tt6p2T3 to continue this impact. #ImpactMatters #SupportDisabledStudents #FundAccess

Large white text on dark blue background reads "The NEADS Financial Assistance Program Needs Your Help"; 'your' is emphasized in yellow. Dark blue text in a light blue box reads "According to past recipients... 76% said the assistance helped them stay enrolled; 96% felt more confident about completing their program; 90% experienced reduced financial stress; 85% reported improved mental health and well-being; 59% were able to reduce work hours while studying; 65% avoided dropping classes due to financial constraints". White text on red reads "Your gift keeps this impact alive." In the header, #FundraisingFriday is white on red with @myNEADS in the opposite corner in white. In the footer, a computer mouse points to a red "DONATE NOW" button next to white text that reads "Help us reach our goal: Together we can make a difference". 'Can' is emphasized in yellow.

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NEADS @myneads.bsky.social · 05/12/2025

(1/4) Building a $2,000 Grant Together: Every $2,000 grant begins with many small acts of generosity. You will never meet the other donors whose gifts join yours—but together, you change a student’s semester. Together, we make access possible. To learn more or donate, visit: buff.ly/qwr6yWr

White title on dark blue background reads "The NEADS Financial Assistance Program Needs Your Help". A large light blue box fills the center, with the dark blue subtitle "Every amount counts: Here's how you can make a difference:". 'Your' and 'you' are emphasized in yellow. A thermometer with only the bottom filled in red measures increasing monetary values. The top is labeled "$1,500" and the bottom "$0" in white. Notches on the thermometer, bottom to top, read "accessible transit to class; 1 month of special software; prescription refill; 1 month groceries for dietary needs; on-going mental health counselling; 1 month rent in an accessible apartment; purchase/upgrade mobility aid". A computer mouse points to red "DONATE NOW" button in the footer, next to white text that reads "Help us reach our goal: Together we can make a difference"; 'can' is emphasized in yellow. Red banner in top left corner reads #FundraisingFriday.

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NEADS @myneads.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

(1/3) 📣 Call for participants! 📣 NEADS is currently recruiting disabled and neurodivergent post-secondary students for a 2-month, art-based cohort focused on housing precarity and accessibility barriers. Recruitment is open until Dec 17 at 5:00 pm PST! #ResearchStudy #VolunteersNeeded

Yellow title reads "CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS" with a thin yellow border and dark blue background. Light blue text boxes read "WHO? disabled and neurodivergent post-secondary students & recent graduates; WHAT? 2-month, art-based cohort focused on housing precarity and accessibility barriers; WHERE? participation is entirely online; WHY? raise awareness of disabled students' housing-related experiences and inform future programming & advocacy; WHEN? recruitment is open until Dec 17 at 5:00pm pm PST; QUESTIONS? Email Chloee C. Godin-Jacques at chloee.godinjacques@neads.ca".

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NEADS @myneads.bsky.social · 03/12/2025

(1/4) Started in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly, we observe International Day of Persons with Disabilities (#IDPD) on December 3rd to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities (PWD) and to raise awareness of the issues and barriers still faced by PWD today.

Dark blue text reads "Celebrate with us... International Day of PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES" over a light blue background. An illustrated crowd of people with various visible and invisible disabilities is assembled in front of abstract yellow hills. Yellow lines and stars frame the top corners. At the center is a blue globe with three raised hands in front of it.

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NEADS @myneads.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

(1/3) Do you believe education should be accessible to every student? This #GivingTuesday, you can help make that a reality. Help us remove financial barriers and open doors to education for disabled students by donating today at buff.ly/qwr6yWr #FundAccess #NEADSGrants #CanadaCharity

Dark blue background with green, yellow, pink, and red circles of varying sizes. White text reads "It's #GivingTuesday; Together, we can make a difference". 'Can' is emphasized in yellow. Centered is a hand holding a pink heart above a yellow ribbon that reads "SUPPORT" in red text, framed by small dark blue hearts.

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NEADS @myneads.bsky.social · 28/11/2025

(1/3) It's #FundraisingFriday again! We at NEADS know that disabled and neurodivergent students are stretched thin financially. The NEADS Financial Assistance Program exists because of those barriers — so we don’t expect you to donate. What matters most is your voice and your advocacy.

White text on dark blue background reads "The NEADS Financial Assistance Program Needs Your Help; Help us reach our goal: Together, we can make a difference". 'Your' and 'can' are emphasized in yellow. Red banner at the top reads #FundraisingFriday. At the bottom, a computer mouse points to red "DONATE NOW" button. Dark blue text on a light blue background reads "You might not be able to give - but you can help make this program possible" above a network of people with the different nodes labeled 'Friends', 'Student Union', 'Local Leaders', 'Employers', 'Community Groups', 'Disability Club', and 'Family'.

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NEADS @myneads.bsky.social · 25/11/2025

NEW RELEASE! NEADS' 2nd ever #Substack article is here! In it, we go over a short and sweet summary of items in the recently-released 2025 Federal Budget that will be extra important for people with disabilities. Click the link to read & subscribe for all future publications: buff.ly/z9vZdW1

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NEADS @myneads.bsky.social · 21/11/2025

(1/4) It's #FundraisingFriday again! For nearly 2 decades, the NEADS Financial Assistance Program has helped disabled and neurodivergent students stay in school by covering essential, non-optional expenses such as assistive technology, ergonomic equipment, rent, food, tuition, and more.

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NEADS @myneads.bsky.social · 20/11/2025

Canadian youth (15–30) with disabilities: Share your experience using career tools (quizzes, resume builders, etc.) in a paid virtual interview: - Oct 2025–Apr 2026 - $100 gift card - Online - Accessibility supports provided 👉 Learn more: buff.ly/bxPndnU #YouthVoices #PaidOpportunity

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NEADS @myneads.bsky.social · 14/11/2025

(1/4) Help remove financial barriers for disabled students across Canada! Post-secondary education is costly, and for disabled and neurodivergent students, these baseline costs are multiplied by essential, non-optional expenses.

White text on blue background reads "Disabled post-secondary students face significant financial barriers to education; Help NEADS offset these disability-related expenses for the Winter 2026 semester by donating to our #FundraisingFriday campaign or sharing this post with your network. Together, we can make a difference." 'Can' is emphasized in green. Symbols of a doctor's chart, bus, mobility scooter, grocery cart, Wi-Fi symbol, medication bottle, microphone, laptop, and office chair line either side with an icon of two hands holding a money bag and graduation cap in the center.

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NEADS @myneads.bsky.social · 28/10/2025

REMINDER! HAPPENING TODAY! Don't forget to register for the workshop Using AI for Accommodations & Navigating Disclosure at Work, happening today at 5PM ET! Register here: buff.ly/7UmeNrM

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NEADS @myneads.bsky.social · 28/10/2025

(1/6) 📣 The CBC Abilicrew Placements for Excellence (CAPE) Program is back! 📣 This six-month paid placement program runs from January 12 to June 26, 2026. ⏰ The deadline to apply is Friday, November 7 at 11:59 PM ET! ⏰

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NEADS @myneads.bsky.social · 23/10/2025

(1/7) It's Invisible Disabilities Awareness Week! This year, Invisible Disabilities Awareness Week started October 19 and will go until October 25. Let's use #invisibledisabilitiesweek to shine some light on this topic! Have a look through this thread to learn more about #invisibledisabilities

Dark blue background with light blue text that reads "Let's shine some light on...INVISIBLE DISABILITIES AWARENESS WEEK; OCTOBER 19-25". There is an image of 5 stage lights at the top shining spotlights down on the title. @MyNEADS is at the bottom.

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NEADS @myneads.bsky.social · 17/10/2025

(1/4) 📣 NEW EVENT ALERT! 📣 NEADS is hosting an online workshop on October 28th from 5:00-6:00pm ET about the use of AI for accommodations and navigating disclosure in the workplace. Registration is required, please register at buff.ly/Y2URBpG

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NEADS @myneads.bsky.social · 16/10/2025

📣 LAST CALL FOR ENROLLMENT! 📣 Enrollment in the Building Employment Pathways Project closes on October 31st, 2025, so be sure to enroll before the end of the month! To apply or learn more about the program, head over to buff.ly/XePUVq6

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NEADS @myneads.bsky.social · 10/10/2025

(1/4) October 10th is World Mental Health Day! Each year, this day serves as an important reminder that mental health is a vital aspect of our daily lives that cannot be ignored. What are you doing to spread awareness about mental health in your #community?

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NEADS @myneads.bsky.social · 03/10/2025

(1/5) One week left to apply! Applications for the AMI Robert Pearson Memorial Scholarship are due at 8pm ET on Friday, October 10th.

Search bar with the text "DISABILITYAWARDS.CA". Main text reads "AMI Robert Pearson Memorial Scholarship; Due October 10th". In the bottom left corner, there is an image of a person wearing a blue school uniform with a skirt, sitting at a school desk, reading a book with a bookbag at their feet. The slide has a dark blue background.

Search bar with the text "The Basics:" Light blue text on a dark blue background reads "Established in memory of Robert Pearson, a pioneer in advocating for accessible media, these scholarships reflect AMI’s ongoing commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and amplifying the voices of people with disabilities; Two scholarships will be awarded this fall: One award for a student from the English-speaking community and one award for a student from the Francophone community. Each award is valued at $5,000. The application window closes at 8 pm ET on Friday, October 10, 2025." The footer says "LEARN MORE AT DISABILITYAWARDS.CA" in white text.

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NEADS @myneads.bsky.social · 29/09/2025

(1/1) Did you know that September is International Pain Awareness Month? Use #PainAwarenessMonth to help spread awareness about pain and pain-related disabilities. #InternationalPainAwarenessMonth

Text reads "September is International Pain Awareness Month!" Image of an individual in a yellow shirt hunched over with a hand on their back. They have dark brown hair and a pained expression. The background is dark blue with a light blue frame, and there is a looping arrow in the bottom right corner pointing to the right.

Header reads "International Pain Awareness Month". Text reads "Did You Know? Nearly 8 million Canadians live with chronic pain; Indigenous peoples and 2SLGBTQIA+ peoples are disproportionately impacted by chronic pain and face greater barriers to accessing effective care; More than 64% of Canadians with pain believe their quality of life would improve if they could afford more non-pharmacological treatments; Women and girls are more likely to have their pain overlooked and left untreated due to gender biases in our healthcare system; People with chronic pain are twice as likely to experience anxiety & depression". Image of an individual with a blue tank top, long reddish-brown hair, and a sad expression as they have a hand on their chest in pain. The background is dark blue with a light blue frame, and there is a looping arrow in the bottom right corner pointing to the right. Footer reads "September 2025" with a source link "paincanada.ca/resources." The background is dark blue with a light blue frame. There is a looping arrow in the bottom right corner pointing to the right.

Header reads "International Pain Awareness Month". Text reads "According to the 2022 Canadian Survey on Disability (CSD)... 1: Pain-related disabilities were the most common disability type for Canadians age 15 years and over (17%); 2: Pain-related disabilities had the second largest increase between the 2017 and 2022 CSDs; 3: Pain-related disabilities were the third most common disability type for youth age 15 -24 years old". Image of a person with short brown hair and a yellow shirt holding both hands to their chest in pain. Footer reads "September 2025" with a source link "www.150statcan.gc.ca". he background is dark blue with a light blue frame.

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NEADS @myneads.bsky.social · 19/09/2025

@lifeofaphd gave us all the info on her back-to-school preparations, from what she packs in her bag to the supplies inside her emergency kit! #LetNEADSKnow about all the things you include in your kit!

Text reads “What’s in my bag as a disabled PhD student?” Brown backpack with a gold zipper on the front in middle of graphic. Text around it with arrows reads “Study supplies; emergency kit; mobility aids”

Text reads “The backpack.” Brown backpack with a gold zipper on the front in the middle of graphic. Text around it with arrows reads “She packs her wallet with her health card and ID inside! This bag has tons of pockets and can be converted to a shoulder bag! Backpacks are great to carry lots of things comfortably – prioritizing accessibility over looks is key!”

Text reads “Study supplies.” Photos of a teal planner, silver headphones, black and white charging bricks, rainbow pencil case, and black notebook. Text beside each item reads “Planners are perfect for tracking appointments, meetings, important dates and (many) to-do lists! Noise-cancelling headphones! Don’t forget your chargers! A fully-stocked pencil case! Notebooks keep track of thoughts and ideas while you work!”

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NEADS @myneads.bsky.social · 03/09/2025

(1/2) the cost of post-secondary education is often the most significant barrier for students with disabilities to even get started on their journey. the following programs may be useful for you or a student in your life to access in order to ease the financial burden 🧵 :

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NEADS @myneads.bsky.social · 27/08/2025

(1/2) have you ever had a professor or instructor tell you they won’t respect your academic accommodations? have you needed to drop a course, switch sections or pull out of a term altogether because you can’t access your education?

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NEADS @myneads.bsky.social · 22/08/2025

(1/2 we NEAD(s) to add members to our board of directors (BOD) this fall! thinking about adding an extra-curricular to your schedule? we have the perfect opportunity - join the NEADS BOD and represent your province/territory! buff.ly/HVGIfi6

Text reads “Calling all post-secondary students & new grads with disabilities! NEADS is seeking directors from Manitoba, Quebec, Prince Edward Island & the Territories! Swipe to learn more!” Icon of person inside magnifying glass in middle of graphic.

Text reads “Calling all post-secondary students & new grads with disabilities! Are you a disabled post-secondary student or a new graduate living in or a resident of Manitoba, Quebec, PEI or the Territories? Do you want to build advocacy skills and connect with other students with disabilities across Canada? The NEADS Board of Directors is recruiting! Swipe to learn more!” Icons of blue megaphones in bottom of post.

Text reads “Apply today! NEADS Board Members attend monthly board teleconferences & take part in standing committees. You will be able to bring the work of NEADS to your province/territory & raise issues affecting disabled post-secondary students and new graduates at a national level. No experience in disability advocacy? No worries! Send in an application & have the opportunity to learn and grow from a supportive team! Link in bio!” Icons of blue megaphones in bottom of post.

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NEADS @myneads.bsky.social · 20/08/2025

(1/2) have you ever wondered how to make the transition from high school to post-secondary as a student w/ a disability? are you supporting a disabled student as they begin post-secondary & are struggling to find out how to make sure they receive academic accommodations?

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NEADS @myneads.bsky.social · 15/08/2025

🍎 back to school with the #MyNEADSNetwork 🍎 we asked #MyNEADSNetwork member Sahara how she prepares for the school year & she provided us with some back-to-school essentials for students with rheumatic diseases! #LetNEADSKnow what is in your bag this academic year in the comments 💬

Text at top reads “What’s in my bag?” Photo of green backpack with brown straps in centre of slide. Text underneath reads “Backpack with cushioned straps & back support.” Photos in a circle around the backpack with labels underneath describing the items. Items from left to right: daily medication container, pain relief cream, compression gloves, painkillers, TENS unit, heat patches, knee sleeve.

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NEADS @myneads.bsky.social · 13/08/2025

(1/1) NEADS is excited to release our newest resource – the student rights toolkit! find this document in our bio and explore how to make sure you receive your academic accommodations this year by leveraging human rights 🔗 link: buff.ly/haAyutb

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NEADS @myneads.bsky.social · 08/08/2025

(1/1) starting to plan your first day of school outfit and having trouble finding accessible outfits? NEADS is here to help – check out some options for adaptive clothing & tools that can help you feel your best! #LetNEADSKnow about your favourite accessible clothing tips 🧵

Text reads “Tops. When you’re shopping for accessible tops, think about how you will be getting dressed each day! If buttons are a challenge, try magnetic snaps instead. Need to access a port or struggle to regulate your temperature? Tops with zippers can support easy access when you need it.” Photo on left of Spoonie Threads Colourblock Adult Zip Access Hoodie: Yellow and black hoodie with zipper and medical tubes on top. Photo on right of Joe and Bella Everyday Magnetic Button-Down: Blue long-sleeve button-down top.

Text reads “Bottoms. If you use a seated mobility aid, seamless back pants can be much more comfortable whether they are jeans or sweatpants. Putting on and taking off pants can be very challenging. Search for side-zip and ankle-zip bottoms to make it a bit easier!” Photo on left of IZ Adaptive GC Seamless Back Jeans: Photo of person from back wearing a black t-shirt and blue jeans without a back seam sitting on a white block. Photo in centre of No Limbits Adaptive Black Limited Dexterity Legging: Black leggings with pockets. Photo on right of Joe and Bella Everyday Side-Zip Pants: Torso with grey shirt and fair hands closing a pair of black pants with a zipper.

Text reads “Tools. Sometimes, adaptive clothing can be expensive and hard to find. You can purchase tools to make wearing the clothes you already have easier! Tools like the Dressing Solution make reaching and twisting less challenging. Zubits and the Perfect Dresser support fine motor skills - use Zubits on your shoes to skip tying laces or the Perfect Dresser to button pants with ease!” Photo on left of Zubits: Two small black rectangles with circles on sides. Photo in centre of Perfect Dresser by Maxi Aids: Swiss army knife with four silver tools with holes in them. Photo on right of Dressing Solution by Performance Health: Grey stick with a hook at one end.

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NEADS @myneads.bsky.social · 06/08/2025

(1/7) we're still re-reading our white paper “A Case for Decoupling Employment Income From Benefits for People with Disabilities" and are wondering why the benefits cliff still exists in 2025. this thread will explain how we can fix this 🧵

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NEADS @myneads.bsky.social · 29/07/2025

(1/9) at the end of disability pride month, NEADS would like to remind our community that disabled futures are possible and beautiful! 🧵

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NEADS @myneads.bsky.social · 25/07/2025

(1/1) the moving lives forward scholarship program is a great opportunity to receive financial assistance if you are a post-secondary student who has received adult services in the mental health & addictions program in newfoundland and labrador! this round of applications closes on august 1st ⏰

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NEADS @myneads.bsky.social · 22/07/2025

(1/10) last week’s self-care tips for disabled activists touched on the power of collective community care. let’s explore mutual aid – a decentralized network of carers formed in disabled community 🧵 :

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