Accessibility Ally is a podcast brought to you by Sea Change CoLab and Podstarter.
In 10 episodes we aim to have conversations with folks who have disabilities, and those who are also accessibility allies, to help change the narrative. Throughout the series we chat with business managers, adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, organizations, government, and institutions working in the space of accessibility; who all support adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A lot of the conversation is educational, but is also about finding friendship, community and success in an accessible Nova Scotia. Support for this community is a choice, and it is about creating social and economic opportunities through fair wage jobs, and enhancing life skills. It's not hard to make some small changes to be a more inclusive workplace and society. The benefits are many including, economic, the bottom line of your business, and positively changes workplace culture.
This podcast is narrated by Corrie Melanson.
Accessible Retention and Career Development with Jeff Overmars
Join host Corrie Melanson for an enlightening discussion with Jeff Overmars, a seasoned public service professional and advocate, as they delve into the essential yet often overlooked aspects of accessible retention and career development for people with disabilities.
Jeff draws from nearly 20 years of experience in government, his role as co-chair of the Nova Scotia Disability Employee Network, and his personal perspective as an employee with low vision to unpack what truly happens after the hiring process ends.
Key topics include:
Why retention begins on day one, and the pitfalls of assuming onboarding is “one and done”
Moving beyond accommodations to proactive support: asking “What helps you thrive?”
The impact of remote work flexibility and why return-to-office mandates risk excluding talented employees
How performance planning can serve as an ongoing conversation, not just an annual review
Introducing the “purple flag” tool to interrupt bias without shame or blame
The role of employee resource groups in fostering culture change and collective advocacy
Whether you’re a manager, HR professional, or advocate, this episode offers practical insights and relatable examples to help build workplaces where everyone can grow, contribute, and stay.
Ready to move beyond hiring and truly support career development for people with disabilities? Listen now.
11 Mar 2026
Accessible Recruiting and Hiring with Erika Shea
Join host Corrie Melanson for a thought-provoking conversation with Erika Shea, Executive Director of New Dawn Enterprises, as they explore how one of Cape Breton’s largest community-centred employers is reimagining accessible recruitment and hiring, from the job posting to the first day and beyond.
With over 200 staff across 17 nonprofit entities, New Dawn doesn’t just fill roles; it builds community. Erika shares how the organisation has moved beyond inherited hiring norms to create processes that are transparent, flexible, and deeply human.
Key topics include:
Why posting salary and benefits upfront attracts the right candidates, and builds trust from day one
How a 32-hour work week with full-time pay supports whole lives, not just productivity
The power of sending interview questions in advance and why interviews shouldn’t feel like pop quizzes
Creating low-stakes, ongoing conversations about neurodivergence, disability, and what people need to thrive
Why the interview itself is your first chance to show your culture, and how small gestures make a big difference
Moving from shame to safety: how openness about disability strengthens teams and trust
Whether you’re in HR, leadership, or simply believe work should work for everyone, this episode is full of actionable ideas and refreshing honesty about building hiring practices that are not only accessible but truly welcoming.
Ready to rethink recruitment? Listen now.
25 Feb 2026
Accessible Customer Service with Bianca Go and Heather Wilkinson
Join host Corrie Melanson for a practical and inspiring conversation with Heather Wilkinson from Wonder’neath Art Society and Bianca Goh from the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) as they explore what accessible customer service really means and how organisations of any size can get it right.
From a vibrant community art studio to a province-wide retailer, Heather and Bianca share real-world strategies for making every interaction welcoming, responsive, and genuinely inclusive. Whether you serve clients, customers, participants, or the public, this episode is packed with ideas you can apply right away.
Key topics include:
How to move beyond compliance and build a culture of access, one small step at a time
The power of low-sensory experiences, and what NSLC learned from its pilot project
Simple adaptations that make a big difference: from rubber bands on wine bottles to foam mats for service dogs
Why training matters, and how partnering with organisations like CNIB builds staff confidence
Creating “accessibility guides” for your space so people know what to expect before they arrive
How to solicit and act on feedback, turning mistakes into momentum
The role of relationship-building in accessibility: it’s not just about the door, it’s about the dialogue
Whether you run a small nonprofit, a large public service, or a local business, this episode will leave you with actionable ideas, relatable stories, and the encouragement to start where you are and keep learning.
Ready to make your service truly accessible? Listen now.
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