The Coast Capital THRIVE Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Struggling at school when you have a disability can impact your grades, stress levels, and overall experience. Knowing what types of accommodations are available and having the confidence to ask for what you need will set you up for academic success. In this episode, I sit down with Royal Roads University’s access advisor, Aleksandra Kovic-Bodiroza to discuss the topic of accommodations. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to record this episode at the Royal Roads campus which is situated on the traditional lands of the Lekwungen-speaking Peoples, the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations. 

In this month's episode, we talk about the challenges of managing work-life balance and disability and share ways to manage energy and stay rejuvenated.

Robbie McDonald is an accessibility consultant, has a background in journalism, communications and community building. She has written 3 books and has many published articles. She identifies as a little deaf and neurodivergent.

Happy New Year from Team THRIVE! 

Each one of us interprets ‘success’ differently based on our upbringing, influences, or what we see through media. In this episode, we unpack the topic of success and share what it looks like for each of us. 

As employers are transitioning from remote work to a hybrid model, we must keep workplace accessibility at the forefront of our minds. In this episode, we discuss the pros and cons of hybrid work from an accessibility and inclusion lens.

Zafira Nanji Scott is an experienced Human Resources professional, having led Global HR Advisory and Talent Acquisition, Learning & Development & People Leadership at multiple Crowns and within the private sector.   In her current role with BC Financial Services Authority, Zafira is recognized as a resourceful coach, and advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion with a focus on business readiness, mindful and impactful leadership.  Zafira lives in a world of intentional inclusion, intersecting multiple diversities through her personal and professional worlds.  Outside of her day job, Zafira is the founder of Zari HR Consulting, volunteers as an advisor to the Immigrant Employment Council of British Columbia, at the Community of Practice with the President’s Group, co-hosts the Human Resources Podcast – The Vault, and firmly in the sandwich generation.  Zafira has an MBA in Human Resources Management, holds the CPHR and SHRM-SCP designations and is working on her ICF designation.  Most recently, Zafira was nominated for a Diversity Leadership UnTapped Award by the Open Door Group.

In this episode, our panel unpacks the topic of maintaining mental health from a diverse ability perspective. We go deep, share personal stories, insights and share how we practice self care. 

Obtaining a government job can be overwhelming and challenging for anyone, and when you live with a diverse ability, it can be even more so. In this episode, Jenny Reid, Talent Marketing and Outreach Advisor with the BC Pension Corporation, discusses how the BC Pension Corporation fits within the BC Public Service, and provides information and tips on how to make your application stand out.

In this episode, we talk about the challenges and misperceptions that people with diverse abilities face, how negative attitudes can impact their healing journey, and we can all do to create a more inclusive world for all.  

In this episode, we introduce the THRIVE program through the BC Centre for Ability  and our vision for the program and this podcast. 

In honour of International Pride Month, I'm in talks with Jag Nagra this month, a local queer Punjabi visual artist who creates social impact through her work. We share our personal experiences and discuss the similarities between queerness and disability. 

Resources 

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/mental-health-substance-use/virtual-mental-health-supports#gethelp
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/managing-your-health/mental-health-substance-use/virtual-mental-health-supports#counselling
https://foundrybc.ca/
https://www.shervancouver.com/
  

Today I am in talks with Trish Kelly, Managing Director of Untapped Accessibility. In this episode, we discuss the importance of amplifying the voices of professionals with lived experience of disability, how to create organizational change within organizations, the Accessible BC Act, and much more!