Accessibility Ally

Accessible Retention and Career Development with Jeff Overmars


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Join host Corrie Melanson for an enlightening discussion with Jeff Overmars, a seasoned public service professional and advocate, as they delve into the essential yet often overlooked aspects of accessible retention and career development for people with disabilities.

Jeff draws from nearly 20 years of experience in government, his role as co-chair of the Nova Scotia Disability Employee Network, and his personal perspective as an employee with low vision to unpack what truly happens after the hiring process ends.


Key topics include:


  • Why retention begins on day one, and the pitfalls of assuming onboarding is “one and done”
  • Moving beyond accommodations to proactive support: asking “What helps you thrive?”
  • The impact of remote work flexibility and why return-to-office mandates risk excluding talented employees
  • How performance planning can serve as an ongoing conversation, not just an annual review
  • Introducing the “purple flag” tool to interrupt bias without shame or blame
  • The role of employee resource groups in fostering culture change and collective advocacy


Whether you’re a manager, HR professional, or advocate, this episode offers practical insights and relatable examples to help build workplaces where everyone can grow, contribute, and stay.


Ready to move beyond hiring and truly support career development for people with disabilities? Listen now.


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Accessibility AllyBy Sea Change CoLab