Our board is fully comprised of volunteers who are either self-advocates, have experience advocating for members of their family, or have a passion for inclusion.
Inclusion Action In Ontario is run by a passionate, dedicated group of individuals who all strive for inclusion within the education system and their respective communities.
Paula Boutis is municipal lawyer, who learned about special education law after the birth of her oldest daughter. She has a strong interest in social justice issues, including working to break down systemic barriers that prevent students with disabilities from fully experiencing educational opportunities free from discrimination. Consistent with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Paula seeks to improve inclusive education practice in the regular education classroom.
“Representatives of [IAO] gave me my first introduction to what a truly inclusive educational experience would look like for students with disabilities. Since discovering it, I have never looked back when it comes to my own daughter’s experience. I have truly come to believe that an inclusive education is the foundation of an inclusive life.”
“There is no greater disability in society, than the inability to see a person as more” – Robert M. Hensel
Angie Bridekirk has been a member of IAO for over 2 decades, and has been active on the IAO board for many years. Angie has been part of the local IAO chapter in Simcoe County, and represented IAO on the public school board SEAC (Special Education Advisory) for 18 years, as well as serving as chairperson on SEAC for most of those years. Angie has participated in local and provincial planning and advocacy groups and continues to dedicate time in this direction. Angie is passionate about inclusion in school and community and continues with her advocacy. Being a parent of an adult son, living with autism, has most certainly brought experience and knowledge of the strengths families have in driving services and supports and developing community and citizenship. Families create change and drive the direction of services. Angie has worked in the developmental services sector for over 20 years.
“Our children inspire us every day. We witness their quests, their goals, their determination and through this we too gain momentum to pursue the things we believe in and are passionate about. One of these beliefs is inclusion and a community where everyone belongs, and citizenship is for everyone.”
Lisa Flannagan has always been a passionate advocate as a sister, a social worker and a mother of five beautiful souls. Lisa believes the recipe for a more equitable and accessible society is for ALL children to have the choice to grow and learn together in fully inclusive and diverse school communities. She has recently joined the Research & Advocacy Committee of CASE: Coalition for Alternatives to Streaming in Education at MTU on behalf of the board. She is honoured to be part of the IAO community.
“This is for the ones who will continue to push until every barrier falls…Equality sprouts from the branch of equity. Independence is the flower that grows from access. Freedom is rooted in the soil of advocacy” – LeDerick Horne
“Children and adults with disabilities deserve access to the same resources, opportunities and support as everyone else. Working towards a world where all are treated with respect and justice is one of my life’s goals.”
Diane is an educational therapist and PhD candidate with interests in inclusive education, holistic assessments and educational leadership. She has an adult son with autism, has taught students with diverse learning needs and has been a member of the Toronto District School Board Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) for over 10 years. Diane also teaches inclusive education practices in BEd and MEd programs to help teachers support all students in maximizing their potential. She believes everyone has the ability to succeed when their differences are celebrated as their strengths.
“Diversity is having a seat at the table, inclusion is having a voice, and belonging is having that voice be heard” – Liz Fosslien
Amandipp Singh is a social entrepreneur and accessibility advocate who began working on inclusive education and employment after navigating the world with partial vision. His lived experience shaped his mission to remove the barriers that often leave people with disabilities excluded from opportunities.
Over the years, he has led projects focused on accessible learning and inclusive hiring—including Enabled Talent, an AI-powered employment platform, and Enable Canada, a grassroots initiative focused on accessibility-first innovation.
Aman’s work centers on building systems that recognize talent, not limitations, and he continues to collaborate with nonprofits, policymakers, and employers to create solutions where accessibility is the foundation, not an afterthought.
“I didn’t want others to spend years searching for answers in silence like I once did. We deserve tools, systems, and communities built with us in mind—not ones we have to fight to fit into.”
Lavaneyaa Sri is a Master of Public Health graduate from the University of Saskatchewan with experience supporting equity-focused research and community-based programs for children, youth, and families. She has worked in both clinical and community settings, with a strong emphasis on inclusive engagement, culturally responsive care, and developmental well-being. Her work spans public health, education, and social support systems, with a focus on pediatric and youth health-based research. Lavaneyaa is especially passionate about advocating for inclusive environments within education systems and creating space to listen to and elevate the stories and lived experiences of children, youth, and families.
“Inclusion is not a special program—it’s a fundamental right. I’m committed to building communities where every child feels seen, supported, and empowered.”
Donna Vanderkloet is a mother of five currently working as an educator at the college level. Prior to teaching, she worked closely with families of children with intellectual disabilities, assisting them to imagine and pursue full, meaningful and typical lives for their children. Advocating for inclusive education has always been an important focus, both professionally and on a personal level with her own son.