Navigating Mental Health Accommodations and Disclosures with YES WorkAbility
October 8 at 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
In recognition of World Mental Health Day, ACEC-Ontario is introducing a new webinar for our members on ”Navigating Mental Health Accommodations and Disclosures” in collaboration with the YES WorkAbility Project, an initiative of Youth Employment Services (YES).
This practical session will help employers and managers feel more confident navigating one of the more challenging areas of workplace mental health: what to do when an employee needs an accommodation or chooses to disclose a mental health-related disability.
What We’ll Cover
- What workplace accommodations actually mean in practice
- Common accommodation myths and misconceptions
- The CITE Tool, a practical resource for navigating accommodation conversations
- A case study exercise
- How to approach accommodation and disclosure conversations with greater confidence
Whether you work in HR, manage a team, or are responsible for workplace culture and employee wellbeing, this session will provide practical tools you can use when these conversations arise.
Note: Register before October 6th, 12:00 PM.
This event is for members only. Please log-in to your member account to register. If you need to set-up your account or require assistance, please contact email Valeriia Makarenko at vmakarenko@acecontario.ca.
Presenter: Teresa Wesz, Regional Manager, YES Workability
Teresa Wesz began her career in the fashion industry following her graduation from Seneca College and completion of a Psychology degree at York University. She quickly advanced into leadership roles, serving as a District Manager for several prominent brands, where she also learned certification as a professional facilitator.
Teresa later transitioned into the telecommunications sector, where she distinguished herself by driving sales performance, leading high-impact training initiatives, and championing people development. Her ability to navigate and lead through periods of significant organizational change became a hallmark of her leadership style.
Currently, Teresa serves as Regional Manager of YES (Youth Employment Services)’ WorkAbility program, where she trains and supports employers in creating more inclusive workplaces for employees experiencing mental health challenges. She also manages the Career Readiness for Diverse Minds program, supporting neurodiverse youth as they prepare for and enter the workforce, and has partnered with IDEA-SIL on the 4 Diverse Minds initiative, which supports neurodiverse youth pursuing opportunities in manufacturing, construction, and the skilled trades. Across these roles, Teresa brings a strong commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those she supports, combining her expertise in leadership, development, and human-centred service delivery.
Presenter: Daniel Wong, Coordinator, YES Workability
Daniel brings over eight years of experience supporting job seekers and employers providing coaching and developing career pathways that address labour market needs. He is passionate about making connections where talent aligns with opportunity and helping individuals achieve meaningful employment. Daniel has supported people from a wide range of professional and cultural backgrounds, with a particular focus on people facing specific barriers to employment including people with disabilities and those with limited work experience. This reflects his belief that the workforce excels in a space of diversity and inclusion.
Currently, Daniel is completing the Instructional Design program at Seneca College. As Coordinator of the WorkAbility program, Daniel draws on his training and experience to educate and mobilize employers to create dynamic workforces by hiring and training young people with disabilities as they begin their careers.
About YES WorkAbility Project, an initiative of Youth Employment Services (YES)
Mental health is no longer something employers can afford to treat as separate from the workplace. 1 in 5 Canadians experiences a mental health problem in any given year, meaning managers and HR professionals are increasingly being asked to navigate accommodation requests, disclosures, performance concerns, and employee wellbeing. Knowing how to handle these conversations effectively can make a meaningful difference in retention, absenteeism, productivity, and an employee’s ability to succeed at work. The YES WorkAbility Project provides practical education, training, and thought leadership to help employers build workplaces that are better equipped to support employees experiencing mental health-related barriers.
