Equity, diversity & inclusion (EDI)
At UVic, we recognize that you may face barriers and that you do your best work when you have the right tools and support and that everyone deserves to be:
- safe
- comfortable
- supported at work
Access support
Whether you self-identify as being part of one or more historically underrepresented groups (LGBTQIA2+, BIPOC, persons with disabilities, people with international pathways etc.,) or you’re discovering challenges in navigating the world of work, we’re here for you.
We can help you learn if and how to request workplace accommodations & discuss strategies to cope with barriers by focusing on your strengths.
You don’t need any medical documentation or an official diagnosis to access this support.
Meet the accessibility co-op coordinator
Accessibility & inclusion co-op and career coordinator
Niels Melis-De Lamper (he/him)
250-472-4370
JCC B271g
My focus is to help students of all identities to find meaningful work experience and feel safe and supported. We can chat about your specific experiences and find a comfortable path forward. I look forward to connecting about your unique lived experience.
Take part in ConnectAble
ConnectAble is an accessible peer support program for students with self-identified disabilities and ongoing health conditions.
How can ConnectAble help you?
The program is designed to support students in co-op who self-identify as having a disability. ConnectAble will help you build self-advocacy skills and confidence in your employability through:
- Building peer connections in a cohort of approximately 10 students with lived experience
- Seven workshop sessions focused on self-advocacy and networking
- Receiving one-on-one coaching from me as the Accessibility and Inclusion Coordinator
- Hearing from guest speakers, including accessible employers and alumni with lived experience
- Access to an ongoing Microsoft Teams channel for continued support
ConnectAble aims to create an inclusive and empowering environment for you as you navigate your co-op experiences. This program will provide practical tools and meaningful connections to help participants thrive in their roles.
Email nmelisdelamper@uvic.ca for more information and to take part.
When will the sessions take place?
The next ConnectAble program will run from October 6 to November 17, 2026. Sessions will run weekly on Tuesdays from 12 to 1 p.m. Dates include:
- October 6
- October 13
- October 20
- October 27
- November 3
- November 17
There will be no session on November 10 due to Reading Break.
You're encouraged to bring your lunch (please no peanuts--if you have allergy or dietary directions that we should share with other participants, just let us know).
Attend the info session on April 22 or September 15
A career connect program for students with a disability and or mental health challenge
Join us to learn about ConnectAble, an accessible peer support program for students with self-identified disabilities and ongoing health conditions. This informal session will cover how the program works, who it's for, and how to get involved.
- When: April 22 and September 15 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
- Where: Campus Services Building - CSR 110
- Who: students who (self-)identify as having a disability and/or mental health challenge whom are enrolled or plan to enrol in Co-operative Education.
All are welcome, and pizza will be provided.
This event creates space to be a welcoming environment for everyone that wants to learn more about ConnectAble, attendees with mobility limitations are encouraged to email nmelisdelamper@uvic.ca to receive directions of how to access the space in a welcoming way.