Accessibility and Inclusion in the Workplace

Melissa Lyon is passionate about inclusion and accessibility. She was born with mild cerebral palsy and epilepsy, so she has first-hand knowledge about these topics. Melissa has a master’s degree in Special Education from Vancouver Island University, a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with distinction from UVic, an Information Technology Certificate from UVic, and a TESOL diploma for teaching English Language Learners. 

For the past ten years, Melissa has helped to support those with diverse abilities and to educate others about inclusion. Melissa is currently working on a "Belonging Matters" project with the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC, where she helps facilitate focus groups and create resources to educate others about inclusion. She has worked at the University of Victoria, Capilano University Continuing Studies and Camosun College, supporting inclusion and accessibility initiatives. Melissa has also worked as a curriculum developer for the Kleos Open Learning online school, where she created several modified high-school courses.

Melissa has extensive experience speaking and about inclusion. She has written articles and blogs for the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC, the Kleos Open Learning School and UVic's Centre for Autism Research, Training, and Education. She has been a keynote speaker for the United Way, the Victoria's Soroptimist Society and the BC Council for Exceptional Children. She has also presented workshops on topics such as inclusion, educational and assistive technology, and Universal Design for Learning. Melissa advocates for inclusion and accessibility with her involvement in many advisory committees, including the Children's Health Foundation of Vancouver Island and the Headway Epilepsy Association. She hopes that through her efforts, she is helping to make the world more inclusive to all.