Mighty Member since September 2018
Carly Fox (she/her/elle) is a 20-year-old disability rights advocate located on Algonquin Anishinabee Territory or Ottawa. Drawing from personal experiences with physical disabilities of psoriatic arthritis and fibromyalgia, mental illnesses of generalized anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, and neurodivergence (ADHD), Fox aims to raise awareness on different types of invisible disabilities and the interactions between them. In her advocacy work, she aims to use her privilege to dismantle systemic forms of oppression to create space for others to share their lived experiences. Past speaking engagements include uOttawa’s International Development Week (2021 & 2022), Take A Pain Check (Episode 8, 2021), and Canadian Conference of On-Campus Activities’ Recharge Virtual Conference (2021). In her professional capacity (views are her own!), Carly Fox is a disability researcher and communications officer for the National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS). In this capacity at NEADS - a by-and-for, cross-disability charity supporting full access to education and employment for post-secondary students with disabilities - Fox meets with disabled student groups and leaders across Canada, researches accommodations and accessibility on Canadian campuses, and provides strategic advice on disability inclusion and accessibility to federal government branches, service providers, and community organizations. Through NEADS, Fox has also become involved with the Council of Canadians with Disabilities (CCD) under the wing of Heather Walkus, Acting Chair. Carly is wrapping up her second year at uOttawa, where she majors in international development and globalization and minors in human rights and conflict studies. Selected academic interests include political economics, international armed conflict, North-South relations, and international financial systems. She is currently pursuing a career in policymaking and diplomatic relations with hopes of cementing the position of disability rights on the international agenda and reducing global inequality.