{"id":9,"date":"2025-03-14T14:30:02","date_gmt":"2025-03-14T18:30:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/act\/?page_id=9"},"modified":"2026-05-05T09:50:06","modified_gmt":"2026-05-05T13:50:06","slug":"about","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/act\/about\/","title":{"rendered":"About Us"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<section class=\"w-screen px-6 cu-section cu-section--white ml-offset-center md:px-8 lg:px-14\">\n    <div class=\"space-y-6 cu-max-w-child-5xl  md:space-y-10 cu-prose-first-last\">\n\n            <div class=\"cu-textmedia flex flex-col lg:flex-row mx-auto gap-6 md:gap-10 my-6 md:my-12 first:mt-0 max-w-5xl\">\n        <div class=\"justify-start cu-textmedia-content cu-prose-first-last\" style=\"flex: 0 0 100%;\">\n            <header class=\"font-light prose-xl cu-pageheader md:prose-2xl cu-component-updated cu-prose-first-last\">\n                                    <h1 class=\"cu-prose-first-last font-semibold !mt-2 mb-4 md:mb-6 relative after:absolute after:h-px after:bottom-0 after:bg-cu-red after:left-px text-3xl md:text-4xl lg:text-5xl lg:leading-[3.5rem] pb-5 after:w-10 text-cu-black-700 not-prose\">\n                        About Us\n                    <\/h1>\n                \n                                \n                                    \n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/act\/about\/#our-objectives\">Our Objectives<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/act\/about\/#our-team\">Our Team<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/act\/about\/#our-history\">Our History<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n                            <\/header>\n\n                    <\/div>\n\n            <\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<p>ACT, or Accessible Career Transitions is a career development program&nbsp;offered by Career Services&nbsp;for students&nbsp;across all levels of&nbsp;education and disciplines&nbsp;who identify with having a disability.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Through ACT, students can receive ongoing, accessible, individualized\u00a0support\u00a0and services\u00a0at any point of the employment process.\u00a0\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/act\/act-student-services\/\">View our services page here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our goal is to equip students with the tools, resources, and skills to successfully navigate employment while offering a trusted space to discuss disability and work.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"our-objectives\">Our Objectives&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Deliver individualized career&nbsp;advising&nbsp;for Carleton students with disabilities.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Provide voluntary, student-centred, individualized counselling and advising to undergraduate and graduate students on career goals and job search preparation in both individual and group formats in the areas of resume and cover letter development, job search techniques, interview preparation, networking, workplace preparedness and general employability skills, in addition to areas specifically related to ACT including disclosure, workplace accommodations, identity and disability-related workplace themes.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Provide clear and&nbsp;accurate&nbsp;career and employment information to students, staff, faculty, and the wider Carleton University community.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Adapt and adjust services, strategies, and resources to accommodate individual student needs. This includes adapting service as needed during one-on-one appointments and events such as career fairs, and networking events.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Help students obtain and&nbsp;retain&nbsp;employment opportunities independently (e.g., co-op, on-campus roles, external jobs) and consult on accessibility practices.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Support student-led planning of disclosure and accommodations.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Advise, counsel, and provide resources to Carleton students with disabilities considering or navigating workplace disclosure and accommodation processes.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Normalize voluntary disclosure processes and inclusive workplace practices while unpacking ableist systems and attitudes.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Reduce barriers to accessing services.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>No formal diagnosis, paperwork, or \u201cproof of disability\u201d&nbsp;required&nbsp;to register with ACT services.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Collaborate with Carleton University student services to meet the needs of ACT students in their pursuit of career development.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Make connections and provide referrals in the community to enhance career support for students with disabilities.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Advocate for the needs and perspectives of Carleton students with disabilities.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Share insights and best practices with internal and external stakeholders, notably the Career Services and Co-operative Education department.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Help direct Carleton students with disabilities to&nbsp;appropriate supports&nbsp;and resources.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Advocate for inclusive systems, services, and resources to meet the needs of ACT students.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Increase availability of information and services by offering a variety of tools and means for students to engage.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Offer a curated collection of information, tools, and materials via a centralized online platform.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Host dedicated programming based on evolving student needs and trends.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Offer services to students and staff in a variety of modalities: Virtual, Phone, In-Person, and Email Consultation.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Offer targeted workshops, training, and faculty requests.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Deliver workshops and information sessions for students, staff on disability-related workplace themes and ACT.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Measure outcomes and continuous improvement.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Collect and track advising and programming statistics, feedback, and student outcomes.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Conduct specialized research and&nbsp;maintain&nbsp;sound and up-to-date knowledge of career trends to accurately advise students with disabilities.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"our-team\">Our Team<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/act\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/86\/2026\/05\/2024.12-Team-Photo-3-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"group photo of the ACT team\" class=\"wp-image-265\" srcset=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/act\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/86\/2026\/05\/2024.12-Team-Photo-3-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/act\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/86\/2026\/05\/2024.12-Team-Photo-3-512x341.jpg 512w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/act\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/86\/2026\/05\/2024.12-Team-Photo-3-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/act\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/86\/2026\/05\/2024.12-Team-Photo-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/act\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/86\/2026\/05\/2024.12-Team-Photo-3-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/act\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/86\/2026\/05\/2024.12-Team-Photo-3-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/act\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/86\/2026\/05\/2024.12-Team-Photo-3-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/carleton.ca\/act\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/86\/2026\/05\/2024.12-Team-Photo-3-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Jenna Lambert<\/strong>, MSW, RSW, MA (Counselling &amp; Spirituality), MSM<br>ACT Student Counsellor<br><a href=\"mailto:jennalambert@cunet.carleton.ca\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">jennalambert@cunet.carleton.ca<\/a><br>Jenna supports ACT registrants at any stage of the placement process, including pre-placement, during the work term and post work term. Jenna also offers counselling with a career and disability lens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Nicole Borges<\/strong><br>ACT Advisor<br><a href=\"mailto:Nicoleborges@cunet.carleton.ca\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">nicole.borges@carleton.ca<\/a><br>Nicole helps students through their career journey by assisting with career exploration strategies, job search strategies, documentation preparation, interview preparation and workplace accommodations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Amanda Hodgson (On Leave)<\/strong>, BAH, BST, M.Ed (Educational Counselling), RP (Inactive)<br>ACT to Employ Program Coordinator<br><a href=\"mailto:amandam.hodgson@carleton.ca\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">amandam.hodgson@carleton.ca<\/a><br>Amanda recruits and educates hiring managers regarding accessibility and accommodation, assists employers with creating and advertising accessible job postings, conducting accessible\/alternative interviews, and implementing accommodation requests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong class=\"myprefix-text-bold\">ACT Intern\/Intake Facilitator<br><\/strong><a href=\"mailto:Act@carleton.ca\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">act@carleton.ca<\/a><br>Interns can conduct program intake appointments and support new ACT registrants with entry to our program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"our-history\">Our History<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Carleton University Accessible Experiential Learning (CUAEL) Project ran from May 2018 to August 2019.\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/career\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Carleton University Career Services<\/strong><\/a>, in collaboration with the\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/pmc\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Paul Menton Centre for Students with Disabilities<\/strong><\/a>\u202fand the\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/accessibility-institute\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Accessibility Institute<\/strong><\/a>\u202f(formerly&nbsp;the READ Initiative), launched the Carleton University Accessibility Experiential Learning (CUAEL) Project in May 2018.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In its pilot year, the CUAEL Project aimed to address the employment gap that exists for students with disabilities by creating employment opportunities for 300 students with disabilities to provide them with hands-on quality work experiences while they obtain their post-secondary degree at Carleton.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The CUAEL Project also worked to educate employers about the benefits of hiring students with disabilities and enhance employer knowledge of disability-related best practices in the workplace.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The CUAEL Project was funded by the Career Ready Fund, a part of the Ontario Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development\u2019s Career Kick-Start Strategy to help colleges, universities,&nbsp;employers&nbsp;and other organizations create experiential learning opportunities for post-secondary students.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Due to the success of the project and high student interest in the concept of a dedicated employment program for students with disabilities, the CUAEL Project evolved into the\u202fACT to Employ Program\u202fduring the 2019-2020 academic year.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2019, ACT to Employ received Carleton University\u2019s&nbsp;award in Service Excellence for Innovation.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2022,&nbsp;Amanda Hodgson, ACT&nbsp;to Employ Program Coordinator,&nbsp;received Carleton University\u2019s individual award in Service Excellence.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2025,<a href=\"https:\/\/unesdoc.unesco.org\/ark:\/48223\/pf0000393554\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>UNESCO featured ACT to Employ as one of four leading examples of accessible employment programs worldwide<\/strong><\/a>.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/act\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/86\/2026\/05\/Breaking-Barriers.pdf\">(Read this article as a PDF here)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>ACT to Employ Placement Program is currently paused due to financial challenges and operational changes.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As the program sunsets,&nbsp;ACT&nbsp;to Employ concludes having&nbsp;facilitated&nbsp;over 1600 meaningful employment placements.\u202fOver the life of the program,&nbsp;ACT to Employ&nbsp;achieved 100% satisfaction, with students consistently agreeing that their participation contributed positively to their career development. Employers reported feeling well supported throughout the program and emphasized accessibility as a priority in their hiring practices, contributing to the creation of more accessible and inclusive work environments.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The ACT Team&nbsp;remains&nbsp;eager and <a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/act\/act-student-services\/\" type=\"page\" id=\"247\">available to provide&nbsp;student&nbsp;services<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>ACT, or Accessible Career Transitions is a career development program&nbsp;offered by Career Services&nbsp;for students&nbsp;across all levels of&nbsp;education and disciplines&nbsp;who identify with having a disability.&nbsp;&nbsp; Through ACT, students can receive ongoing, accessible, individualized\u00a0support\u00a0and services\u00a0at any point of the employment process.\u00a0\u00a0View our services page here. Our goal is to equip students with the tools, resources, and skills [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_cu_dining_location_slug":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"cu_page_type":[14],"class_list":["post-9","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","cu_page_type-general"],"acf":{"cu_post_thumbnail":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/act\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/act\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/act\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/act\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/act\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/act\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":291,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/act\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9\/revisions\/291"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/act\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"cu_page_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/act\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cu_page_type?post=9"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}