Kevin McShan
DISABILITY ADVOCATE
Kevin McShan is an engaging and captivating professional speaker, disability advocate and journalist. Kevin's expertise in the areas of employment equity, diversity and inclusion make him an effective and in demand transformational speaker for human resources professionals and organizations looking to build an inclusive culture.
Kevin worked with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce on the Discover Ability Network project in the region of Windsor-Essex. In this role, he was responsible for linking businesses to the Discover Ability Network website; an online job matching portal for employers and job seekers with a disability. Which was the 1st in Ontario’s history.
McShan has also worked with the Ontario Government to help appoint a special Advisor to “champion employment opportunities for people of all abilities in the public and private sectors.”
Kevin is a proud recipient of the 2012 Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for his commitment to promoting equality for individuals with disabilities. He was also the recipient of a Community Excellence Award from Community Living Essex. Finally, McShan received the 2015 Influential Advocate Award from Assisted Living
Southwestern Ontario, for his work in promoting employment and societal equality on behalf of individuals with disabilities in Windsor-Essex.
Louie DiPalma, Vice-President of SME programs with the Ontario Chamber ofCommerce, says McShan’s leadership on diversity and inclusion is superior, adding McShan has been a great champion for the program. "He's been terrific asset for the team because he really understands the community, he understands the issues. He has many connections, so he's been an asset in trying to forward the notion of creating a hiring hub for persons with disabilities."
Kevin is an Inspirational Leader! Dallen Reber, Owner of Realizations.co says, knowing Kevin for the time I have has provided enough inspiration for a lifetime. My only regret is not having met Kevin sooner. Gaining a deeper understanding of who Kevin is, the challenges he's faced, and what he has been able to accomplish is truly astounding and a testament that with purpose, passion, and determination truly anything is possible. “
Challenging others to reach their fullest potential by maximizing their productivity in life, work and play is Kevin’s primary message as a motivational speaker.
Kevin’s greatest thrill doesn’t come through personal achievement or accolades it comes from the success and enthusiasm of people he touches along the way.”
Chuck Roberts
DISABILITY ADVOCATE
Chuck Roberts earned his bachelor’s degree in special education from the University of Oklahoma, with support from the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services. As a dedicated self-advocate, he has worked extensively with individuals with disabilities and their families, helping them navigate challenges and access resources.
Chuck is a passionate advocate in the disability movement, using his personal experiences to educate and inspire others. He is a faculty member at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, where he teaches courses on Assistive Technology and disability-related topics. Guided by his motto, "If you need a piece of Assistive Technology—just make it!", Chuck loves demonstrating assistive technology and witnessing the excitement it brings to those who benefit from it.
He serves as family and self-advocacy faculty for several disability-related courses at OUHSC and is a LEND Core Faculty member. In addition to teaching, Chuck frequently presents at state conferences and consults with agencies on disability issues. He is also an integral part of Oklahoma's Partners in Policymaking program.
In this presentation, Chuck will share insights from his journey through post-secondary education and career exploration. He will discuss the evolution of transition services over the past 40 years, highlighting both progress and areas still in need of improvement. Through personal stories of challenges and triumphs, Chuck will examine whether the service delivery system has truly advanced over time.