13th Annual George Brown College Mental Health Conference

Toronto, Ontario, Canada
March 01, 2012
8 am to 4 pm

George Brown College, Financial Services Building, Room 406
290 Adelaide St. East

From Exclusion to Inclusion: Accessing Employment Through Education

“There is incredible untapped potential in Ontario’s population. We need to put that potential to work by building supports and eliminating barriers to full participation in our economy and society.” Breaking the Cycle: Ontario’s Poverty Reduction Strategy, 2008

An educational forum presented by George Brown College’s Centre for Preparatory & Liberal Studies in partnership with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP).

About the Conference

The focus of this year’s conference will be on addressing barriers to education and employment success for individuals dealing with mental health concerns. Main themes will be inclusion, systemic issues, individual stories of challenge and success, and innovation. Speakers will include researchers, academics, activists, students, and alumni.

New - This year, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a roundtable discussion on one of the conference topics and also use social media to post comments/feedback about the topics being discussed during the conference day via Twitter /Facebook.

Who Should Attend?

Educators/Program Managers

Mental Health/Addictions Counsellors

Shelter/Frontline Workers

Researchers

Policy Makers

Guidance Counsellors

Consumer Survivors

Service Providers/Practitioners

Youth Workers

Why Should You Attend?

To understand the historical context of mental health within education and employment

To learn about how The “Mad Movement” is shifting perspectives on education and employment

To listen to personal stories of social inclusion through education and work

To find out about social purpose enterprises and consumer-led business developments

To hear about successes and challenges in supporting students in mainstream education

To gain knowledge about supported education models that rethink mainstream education

Agenda

8:00 a.m.

Registration and Continental Breakfast

9:00 a.m. Dr. Georgia Quartaro - Dean, Centre for Preparatory & Liberal Studies, GeorgeBrown College
Anne Sado - President, George Brown College
Susan Piggot – Vice President, Communications & CommunityEngagement, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

9:20 a.m.

Morning Keynote Presentations:

Geoffrey Reaume, PhD, YorkUniversity

David Reville, RyersonUniversity

Becky McFarlane, Activist

Geoffrey, David, and Becky will share their perspectives on the intersection of mental health, education and employment as well as discuss the historical context and pertinent systemic issues. They will educate participants on the “Mad Movement” and its impact on access and inclusion and present recommendations for positive change in policy and practice.

10:35 a.m.

Break

10:50 a.m.

Book Draws
Presented by George Brown College Students

11:00 a.m.

Keynote Speakers
Geoffrey, David and Becky will debate issues in the access to education and employment for individuals dealing with mental health concerns.

12:00 p.m.

Lunch - 300 Adelaide St. E., 3rd floor

Participants will have time to pick up a delicious hot lunch and then choose a Lunch ’n Learn presentation / discussion group to attend.

Sessions:

The School to College to Work Initiative: Promoting Positive Mental Health in At Risk Youth through Engagement in Education

Women Transitioning into the Trades: Pilot Projects Supporting Women with Multiple Barriers

Aboriginal Student Support at College: What is Needed

Social Purpose Enterprises: Innovative Models

Mad Students’ Society: Peer Support and Advocacy in Post-Secondary Education

1:30 p.m.

Book Draws
Presented by George Brown College Students

1:40 p.m.

Afternoon Keynote Presentation

Diana Capponi, Employment Works! CAMH

Diana will explore the impact of employment supports on the consumer/survivor community and will help participants critically reflect on what has changed, what hasn’t, and what needs to change.

2:20 p.m.

Break

2:35 p.m.
Book Draws
Presented by George Brown College Students

2:45 p.m.

Student/Alumni Panel Discussion
Program participants of George Brown College’s Redirection through Education, Assistant Cook and Construction Craftworker Extended Training Programs will share their experiences and perspectives. Key factors in programs that make a difference to students dealing with mental health challenges or addiction issues will be highlighted.

Moderator: Olga Dosis, AODA Co-ordinator, George Brown College

3:45 p.m.

Wrap Up / Closing Remarks
Olga Dosis, AODA Co-ordinator, George Brown College

For more information, including registration details, please visit the conference's website.

For more information please contact:
Tenzing Kunga
Telephone: 416.415.5000, ext. 3539
Email: mentalhealthconference@georgebrown.ca

Updated January 27, 2012