Our Goals & Current Initiatives
MEwD is committed to creating an environment that fosters growth, inclusion, and support. Some of our key initiatives include:
A mentorship program where students can receive guidance from upper-year students or peers with similar lived experiences.
Active participation in and planning of the I.D.E.A. Conference, ensuring engineering students with disabilities are represented and supported.
Closing the communication gap between Student Accessibility Services (SAS) and professors to ensure that accommodations are understood and properly implemented.
Whats More …
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Building a Community
We host various events to bring students together in a safe space where they can share experiences, gain insights, and build connections. Collaborations with groups like McMaster EngiQueers and the Women in Engineering Society have helped us foster a sense of community. Future plans include partnerships with organizations like Disability Innovations, Solutions and Awareness (DISA) and Engineers Without Borders.
Our mentorship program also provides students with valuable guidance, pairing them with peers who have experience navigating specific challenges or diagnoses.
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How Students with Disabilities Strengthen the Field of Engineering
Engineering is about improving lives, and to do so, diverse perspectives are crucial. People with disabilities bring valuable lived experiences that enhance innovation and problem-solving within the field. MEwD believes that contributions from students with disabilities are equally as important and impactful as those from any other engineer, enriching the profession with unique insights and solutions.
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Promoting Inclusivity & Support the Field of Engineering
At MEwD, we recognize that a person can identify as having a disability without an official diagnosis, which can be costly and time-consuming to obtain. We focus on making our events and activities as accessible as possible, ensuring that all students feel included, regardless of their situation.
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Collaboration with Student Accessibility Services (SAS)
Our executive team includes SAS Liaisons, who work closely with the Director of SAS to ensure students' needs are better understood and addressed. By improving communication between SAS and faculty members, we aim to create a more seamless process for students with disabilities to access their accommodations.
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Our Vision for the Future
MEwD’s impact doesn’t stop at McMaster. We hope to inspire the creation of Engineers with Disabilities groups across other universities in Canada. Our long-term vision is to provide a supportive environment where students with disabilities can thrive academically and professionally, both during university and in their careers.
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How to Get Involved?
There are many ways for students to engage with MEwD! Our executive team is selected through an application and interview process, but general members are welcome to participate in our mentorship program, give feedback on our initiatives, and attend our events.
Connect with us at mewd@mcmaster.ca or follow us on Instagram @mcmasterewd to stay updated on upcoming events and opportunities!