Disability Studies Alumni
Disability Studies alumni have taken their knowledge of disability as a social, cultural, historical, and political construction and applied it to careers in a wide range of areas including teaching, research, policy analysis in various
levels of government, the non-profit sector, the health care sector, the tourism sector, and more.
Evan Wicklund is a Vanier Scholar and a Ph.D. student in the Sociology and Anthropology Department at Carleton University. He is also a Senior Researcher at Eviance (formerly the Canadian Centre on Disability Studies) and a former Instructor in the Disability and Community Support program at Red River College Polytech (RRC). His academic background is in Cultural Studies and Disability Studies and has a particular interest in the ethics of poststructuralism, critical theory, posthumanism, and intersectionality. He has over a decade of experience working in the disability field in a variety of capacities, including both academic and community-based research, advocacy, post-secondary education, supported employment, and community living.
Read Evan's UWinnipeg Cultural Studies alumni profile
Evan was also the recipient of the Inaugural Disability Studies Award
How did you decide to major in Disability Studies?
I decided to major in Disability Studies due to a passion in supporting others with various diagnoses. As someone who was diagnosed with OCD at the early age of 5, I wanted to be there for others in whatever capacity I could. Disability Studies was introduced to me by a high school guidance counsellor and I have not looked back since.
What is something that you loved being part of during your time in the Disability Studies program?
I loved the opportunity to hear people's true stories. "Nothing about us without us" is a strong statement and I believe it is crucial for people with disabilities to be sharing their stories and educating people about the disability field and community. I loved meeting various individuals and being provided the space to ask questions and have them share their stories as this shared what would be important for me to assist with.
What are you up to now? How did a major in Disability Studies prepare you for life after graduation?
I am currently an Employment Consultant for individuals with intellectual disabilities at SCE LifeWorks. I also am on the Alliance for Direct Support Professionals of Manitoba board. I have been working in the field full-time for approximately 5 years and continue to look for opportunities for growth. I believe the Disability Studies program allowed me to recognize the need for advocacy and has brought me to where I am in community and professional conversations. I am always looking at my work with a social model lens and refer back to many materials and discussions we had as a group.
What advice do you have for students thinking of majoring in Disability Studies?
I think my word of advice would be to do your research! Find disability organizations, find self advocates, find resources and continue to learn and grow. Ask questions and specifically ask these questions to those that identify as people with disabilities. Join boards, volunteer, take part in questionnaires! All of these things will have an impact and will allow you to develop your passion and interests within the field.
What's next for you?
What's next for me is a loaded question! I plan on continuing what I am doing but will continue to be the lifelong learner that I am. I hope to be a mentor to new individuals in the field and hope to provide support within a management role in the coming years. I would love to work behind the scenes with a focus on advocacy and policies! I am in the right place and couldn't be happier with the work I do on a daily basis.