About

OUR LEADERSHIP

About Your Hosts

Led by professionals with lived and academic expertise in safety, ergonomics, and social work. We bridge the gap between research and
real-world advocacy.

Dr. Kathryn Woodcock

Associate Professor, Safety and Ergonomics

Dr. Woodcock is an Associate Professor at Toronto Metropolitan University,
specializing in safety and ergonomics research. She has held leadership roles in
healthcare and the WSIB, dedicating her career to inclusive design and safety
systems.

Her work emphasizes the critical intersection of human factors and accessibility,
ensuring that built environments and professional systems are designed for
everyone.

First deaf woman to receive a doctorate in engineering in 1996 A historic milestone in Canadian engineering and disability advocacy. EDUCATION

• PhD in Engineering (University of Toronto)
• BASc/MASc (University of Waterloo)

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship
• Citizenship Award
• Outstanding Alumni Medal

Our Shared Commitment

We combine academic research with deep social work roots and lived experience to create a more inclusive, safe, and empowered community for deafened people across Ontario and beyond.

Miguel Aguayo, M.S.W.

Senior Program Advisor, Ontario Disability Support Program

Miguel brings extensive experience from the Ministry of Community and Social
Services, where he has been a stalwart advocate for social equity. His leadership in
disability inclusion has transformed policy frameworks within the provincial
government.

Prior to his public service, Miguel held key roles at CIBC, where he championed
accessibility initiatives in the financial sector, bridging corporate responsibility with
community needs.

ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS

Master of Social Work

Wilfrid Laurier University

HR Management Certificate

Toronto Metropolitan University

Public Management Certificate

York University

Want to learn more about our work?

Discover our full range of research publications and advocacy resources for the deafened community.