Tyler Harris
Ministry Of Education
Dundas,Canada
10
years of professional experience
I am seeking a seasonal position as a Student Support Counsellor at W. Ross Macdonald School for the Blind, where I can apply my strong interpersonal skills, commitment to supporting individuals with diverse needs, and ability to foster a safe, positive, and inclusive environment that promotes student growth and independence.
Work History
Student Support Counsellor
3 Years 6 Months- Documented daily student activities, observations, and incidents while maintaining accurate and confidential records.
- Assisted with meal preparation and provided support to students during mealtimes, promoting independence and positive dining experiences.
- Fostered a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment that encouraged student well-being and inclusion.
- Monitored and supervised students during overnight shifts, ensuring their safety, comfort, and adherence to established routines.
- Transported and accompanied students to after-school activities, ensuring their safety and active participation.
- Maintained a clean, organized, and hazard-free work environment in accordance with health and safety standards.
- Assisted with emergency preparedness procedures, including fire drills, lockdowns, and tornado drills, ensuring student safety and compliance with established protocols.
Short-Term Program Support Counsellor
3 Years 6 Months- Support students with diverse needs during educational, recreational, and life skills programming in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment.
- Assist with the setup and takedown of equipment and materials required for daily programs and activities.
- Plan, organize, and facilitate an annual workshop, including lesson development and interactive activities.
- Supervise students during overnight stays, ensuring their safety, well-being, and adherence to program expectations.
- Maintain accurate documentation of student activities, behaviours, and incidents, reporting concerns to supervisors as required.
- Foster a welcoming, respectful, and positive environment that encourages student participation and personal growth.
- Ensure students have the appropriate adaptive equipment, tools, and resources to fully participate in all activities.
- Assist with meal preparation and maintain a clean, organized, and safe living and program environment.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary staff to support students in developing independence and daily living skills.
- Encourage and motivate students to actively participate in educational, recreational, and social programming while promoting confidence and self-reliance.
Accessibility Consultant
1 Month- Evaluated the accessibility features of McMaster University's course and learning management systems for students with low vision.
- Identified accessibility barriers and provided recommendations to improve usability and inclusive access.
- Presented feedback to a university panel regarding the accessibility needs and experiences of students with visual impairments.
Teaching Assist. Soviet/Russian History
7 Months- Led tutorials and facilitated discussions to reinforce lecture material and encourage student engagement.
- Assisted students in understanding course concepts through individual support and group instruction.
- Graded assignments, participation, and assessments while providing timely, constructive feedback.
- Maintained accurate attendance and academic records using the university's learning management system.
- Met one-on-one with students to discuss academic progress and develop strategies for improvement.
Student Accessibility Services Peer Mentor
1 Year 11 Months- Mentored students registered with Accessibility Services, helping them understand and access their academic accommodations.
- Assisted students in navigating university resources, websites, and library accessibility services.
- Provided guidance, encouragement, and advocacy to help students overcome barriers and achieve academic success.
- Built supportive relationships that promoted confidence, independence, and effective self-advocacy.
- Collaborated with Accessibility Services staff to ensure students received appropriate support and referrals.
Education
PhD - English and creative writing
Masters - Critical and Creative Writing
Graduate Certificate - Creative Writing- Fiction, Creative Non-Fiction, Poetry
Masters - Humanities
Honours Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Arts
O.S.S.D.
Skills
First Aid Certified
BMS Certified
Sighted Guide Certification
Able to read and write grades 1 & 2 braile
Great communication skills
Exemplary time management and critical solving skills
Proficient in Microsoft ie
Word
Excel & Powerpoint
Excellent Accessible Technolgy Skills (JAWS
Voice Over
ZoomText
Zoom)
Volunteer
DOTS RPG Limner Volunteer | New York, NY, USA
July 2021 – November 2023
- Edited and reviewed image descriptions for the Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition Monster Manual to improve accessibility for blind and low vision users.
- Collaborated with a team of volunteers to develop and refine best practices for accessible gaming.
- Participated in workshops focused on improving accessibility and inclusion within tabletop role-playing games.
- Educated community members on accessible technologies and resources for individuals who are blind or have low vision.
Ability Empowerment Day Accessibility Consultant Brock University | St. Catharines, ON
January 2021 – July 2021
- Consulted with university departments to ensure presentations, activities, and program showcases were accessible to participants with disabilities.
- Audited websites, PowerPoint presentations, interactive activities, and event communications for accessibility compliance.
- Recommended and implemented improvements to presentation materials and communications to enhance accessibility and inclusivity.
- Assisted in updating communication language for schools, students, presenters, and volunteers to promote inclusive engagement.
- Supported event planning, coordination, and on-site operations to ensure a successful and accessible program.
Blind and Low Vision Youth Advocate | Hamilton, ON
September 2015 – April 2016
- Built collaborative relationships with educators, schools, and community organizations to promote accessible education for students with visual impairments.
- Mentored students who were blind or had low vision, providing guidance, encouragement, and support throughout their educational journey.
- Delivered training to educators and staff on sighted guide techniques, accessible teaching strategies, and inclusive classroom practices.
- Advocated for improved access to educational materials, accommodations, and inclusive learning environments for students with vision loss.
- Promoted awareness and understanding of the educational needs and capabilities of individuals who are blind or have low vision.
Timeline
Student Support Counsellor
The Ministry of Education
02.2023 - CurrentRead More
Short-Term Program Support Counsellor
Ministry Of Education
02.2023 - CurrentRead More
Accessibility Consultant
McMaster University
05.2019 - 06.2019Read More
Teaching Assist. Soviet/Russian History
McMaster University
09.2018 - 04.2019Read More
Student Accessibility Services Peer Mentor
McMaster University
05.2016 - 04.2018Read More
Highland Secondary School
O.S.S.D.
Read More
W. Ross Macdonald Deaf Blind Secondary School
Read More
Algoma University
Bachelor of Arts
Read More
McMaster University
Honours Bachelor of Arts
Read More
McMaster University
Masters from Humanities
Read More
Humber College
Graduate Certificate from Creative Writing- Fiction, Creative Non-Fiction, Poetry
Read More
University of Gloucestershire
Masters from Critical and Creative Writing
Read More
University of Gloucestershire
PhD from English and creative writing
Read More