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Elections Canada Workshop with the National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS)

On April 16, 2025, from 1:30 to 2:30 pm ET, the National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS) will be joined by Teague O’Meara and Cyntia Henley, from Elections Canada, to provide participants with a thorough understanding of the federal election voting process. This workshop is designed to help them gain the knowledge and confidence needed to vote effectively. It covers key topics, beginning with the basics of voter registration, including how to confirm eligibility, register to vote, and update registration details as necessary. A significant focus of the workshop is on accessibility at the polls, detailing the available support for voters with disabilities to ensure an inclusive and accessible voting experience. Participants will learn about assistive devices, support services, and available accommodations.

The workshop also highlights voters' rights, educating participants on their legal entitlements and protections. This includes the right to vote without intimidation, the right to request assistance, and the right to a private, confidential voting process.

By addressing these important areas, the workshop aims to make the voting process clear and accessible, empowering participants to engage confidently and effectively in federal elections, ensuring their voices are heard and their votes are counted  

This webinar stems from a partnership between Elections Canada and NEADS.

ASL and LSQ interpretation, English and French interpretation, as well as closed captioning will be provided. Registration is required – please register here. For further information and/or to discuss access needs, please contact Chloée C. Godin-Jacques, NEADS’s Educational Programming Director, at chloee.godinjacques@neads.ca 

Facilitators

Cyntia Henley

In her role in the Stakeholder Mobilization team at Elections Canada, Cyntia Henley oversees the accessibility portfolio. Her collaboration work with community organizations aims at increasing access to voting. This work consists of mobilizing and raising awareness among stakeholders and electors about how to participate in democracy. Previously, she ensured the secretariat for the Advisory Group for Disability Issues in the Consultation Services division. A group that plays a crucial role in ensuring that best practices are reflected in services offered to electors. Through her work with the disability community, Cyntia strives to make our democratic process more accessible.

Teague O’Meara

Teague O'Meara (she/her) is an Outreach Officer at Elections Canada, specializing in the electors with disabilities portfolio. In this role, she engages with various organizations, communities, and individuals to raise awareness and encourage participation in the electoral process. Teague is dedicated to promoting inclusive democratic engagement, particularly for people with disabilities, by building relationships, coordinating events, and facilitating communication.

Teague holds a Master's degree in Communications and Media Studies from Carleton University. Her career spans education, healthcare, and development, with a focus on women's health and education.

For more information:

Chloée C. Godin-Jacques, MA (she/they) | chloee.godinjacques@neads.ca  
NEADS Educational Programming Director | Directeur.rice du programme éducatif de NEADS
National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS) | Association nationale des étudiant(e)s handicapé(e)s au niveau postsecondaire

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