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EP77: Beyond Disability: Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges, & Brave Conversations with Kevin McShan

October 19, 2023 Amanda Laden
EP77: Beyond Disability: Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges, & Brave Conversations with Kevin McShan
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EP77: Beyond Disability: Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges, & Brave Conversations with Kevin McShan
Oct 19, 2023
Amanda Laden

In this episode, Kevin McShan shares his personal journey of being repeatedly turned down for jobs due to his disability, highlighting the prevalent biases within the employment sector, and how we can get back to embracing the humanity in all of us. Explore the hard-hitting facts about disability employment and learn how you can contribute to building an inclusive society. 


1. Kevin’s formative years and how they shaped his interaction with his peers

2. The importance of diversity, equity, and inclusivity for people with disabilities 

3. Defining success and prosperity in breaking down barriers 

4. Ways to combat disability discrimination in the workplace 

5. Why people should celebrate their lives and others’ lives also


Resources mentioned in this episode

Discover Ability Network


About Kevin McShan

Kevin is a graduate of St. Clair College’s Journalism, Print, and New Media Program. He has an extensive history of promoting employment equality for individuals with disabilities, most recently as the Job Developer and Enhanced Employer Support Facilitator with the YMCA of Windsor-Essex County. 

Kevin worked with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce on the Discover Ability Network project in the region of Windsor-Essex. In this role, he was responsible for linking businesses to the Discover Ability Network website, an online job matching portal for employers and job seekers with a disability.

Kevin was instrumental in the implementation of the WEareAble Project. The Project was a new initiative in Windsor-Essex aimed to educate local business and hiring managers about the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities. By eliminating the barriers and stereotypes, we can create a positive pathway toward these individuals gaining competitive employment within our community. The project lasted 13 months and resulted in individuals with disabilities securing employment.


Connect with Kevin 



Support the show! 

Want to learn more about us? Visit our website at www.periodtopause.com or send an email to amanda@periodtopause.com

Follow us on Instagram: @periodtopause

Follow our Facebook Page: Period to Pause

Show Notes

In this episode, Kevin McShan shares his personal journey of being repeatedly turned down for jobs due to his disability, highlighting the prevalent biases within the employment sector, and how we can get back to embracing the humanity in all of us. Explore the hard-hitting facts about disability employment and learn how you can contribute to building an inclusive society. 


1. Kevin’s formative years and how they shaped his interaction with his peers

2. The importance of diversity, equity, and inclusivity for people with disabilities 

3. Defining success and prosperity in breaking down barriers 

4. Ways to combat disability discrimination in the workplace 

5. Why people should celebrate their lives and others’ lives also


Resources mentioned in this episode

Discover Ability Network


About Kevin McShan

Kevin is a graduate of St. Clair College’s Journalism, Print, and New Media Program. He has an extensive history of promoting employment equality for individuals with disabilities, most recently as the Job Developer and Enhanced Employer Support Facilitator with the YMCA of Windsor-Essex County. 

Kevin worked with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce on the Discover Ability Network project in the region of Windsor-Essex. In this role, he was responsible for linking businesses to the Discover Ability Network website, an online job matching portal for employers and job seekers with a disability.

Kevin was instrumental in the implementation of the WEareAble Project. The Project was a new initiative in Windsor-Essex aimed to educate local business and hiring managers about the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities. By eliminating the barriers and stereotypes, we can create a positive pathway toward these individuals gaining competitive employment within our community. The project lasted 13 months and resulted in individuals with disabilities securing employment.


Connect with Kevin 



Support the show! 

Want to learn more about us? Visit our website at www.periodtopause.com or send an email to amanda@periodtopause.com

Follow us on Instagram: @periodtopause

Follow our Facebook Page: Period to Pause