Creating a culture of accessibility and inclusion
The Persons with Disabilities Network at Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) plays a key role in supporting the department’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion. It helps identify systemic barriers and recommends solutions to improve the experiences of employees with disabilities.
“The objectives of the network are to create a safe space for members to share their experiences, as well as discuss and wrestle with challenges facing the community and develop solutions and recommendations to resolve them,” explains Simon Lee, who has served as Chairperson of the network since December 2024. “These discussions reveal structural barriers, which I bring to senior management’s attention, along with recommendations to address them.”
Simon says his top priority as Chairperson is to promote a culture that embraces greater accessibility and inclusion at PSPC. He supports members and allies at all levels by implementing current policies and guidelines that accommodate employees with disabilities. This involves dispelling myths and negative stereotypes, while fostering a culture of trust, respect and understanding. He is also committed to providing support, mentoring and coaching to help members confidently navigate PSPC, empowering them to obtain necessary accommodations, grow professionally and fully seize opportunities within the department.
Bringing lived experience and policy leadership together
Simon brings a mix of professional insight and personal experience to the role. His own experience seeking accommodation motivated him to get involved with the network.
“I joined the public service for the opportunity to shape and implement policy,” explains Simon. “As Chairperson, I have the opportunity to gather real-time information from network members on challenges and issues, develop solutions with the network, and then advance these recommendations with senior management to make policy-level changes.”
Simon adds, “I have been fortunate to have supportive management in my public service career, but the process of seeking accommodation presented some challenges. When I saw the posting for the Chairperson position, I applied so I could bring my experience and expertise as an employee and manager to help improve accessibility and inclusion within PSPC.” Drawing on his experience in engineering and project management, Simon brings a strong foundation to lead complex initiatives and systematically address challenges. He explains, “As a project manager with an engineering background, my strengths lie in organizing, engaging stakeholders, defining scopes of work and implementing projects. This knowledge and experience are transferable and useful in identifying structural barriers to accessibility and inclusion as well as providing solutions and recommendations.”
Helping employees navigate the accommodation process
Under Simon’s leadership, the network works collaboratively with PSPC branches and senior management, providing input, advice and recommendations. These efforts help shape and improve action plans, including making processes more flexible and accessible for persons with disabilities. “We support members from all levels, which gives us a wide range of perspectives on the challenges faced by persons with disabilities and potential solutions. This helps raise awareness with management and shapes policies and programs that better meet members’ needs.”
Creating opportunities for dialogue and learning
The network fosters community through regular meetings, discussions, working groups and active ongoing communications.
Every October, PSPC marks National Disability Employment Awareness Month with a series of activities. These activities highlight the lived experiences of persons with disabilities, focusing on how gaps in accommodation practices can create barriers to full and equitable participation in the workplace.
The Persons with Disabilities Network continues to be a hub for connection, advocacy and change, helping to advance a more inclusive and accessible PSPC for all.
To learn more about PSPC employees, projects and services making a difference for Canadians, read other articles on Our stories.