⏰️ Educator Time Zone: EST (UTC-5) / EDT (UTC-4)
📚️ Educator Profile:
Dr. Leo Bissonnette has dedicated his career to enhancing accessibility in post-secondary education, particularly for students with disabilities. His journey at Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec, began in 1974 as a student and evolved over the years into various pivotal roles.
Educational Background:
- Bachelor of Arts in Sociology: Completed in 1974 at Concordia University.
- Master of Arts in Sociology: Specialized in Historical Analysis with a focus on the Sociology of Education and Formal Organizations, completed between 1974 and 1977.
- Doctorate in Educational Technology: Earned in 2006 from Concordia University. His doctoral thesis, titled “Teaching and learning at Concordia University: meeting the evolving= education needs of faculty in providing access for university students with disabilities,” reflects his commitment to improving educational accessibility.
Professional Experience:
- Instructor (Part-time) at Concordia University (1977 – 1992): Taught courses including “Introduction to Sociology,” “Self and Society,” and “Sociology of Education.”
- Assistive Technology Instructor at The Montreal Association for the Blind (1983 – 1986): Provided training on adaptive technologies to support individuals with visual impairments.
- Coordinator/Manager at Concordia University’s Access Centre for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) (1991 – 2012): Played a pivotal role in developing and implementing services to accommodate students with various disabilities, ensuring equal access to educational opportunities. Under his leadership, the ACSD expanded its support to a broader range of disabilities, including learning disabilities and psychological disorders.
- President at Leo Bissonnette Educational Consultant (2013 – Present): After retiring from Concordia University in December 2012, Dr. Bissonnette established his consultancy to offer services to college-bound students with disabilities and provide training to Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) offices on adaptive and assistive technologies.
Contributions and Achievements:
- Advocacy and Support: Dr. Bissonnette has been instrumental in promoting the integration of students with disabilities into higher education. He collaborated with faculty to recognize varied learning styles and implement accommodations that benefit all students.
- Publications: Authored an article titled “Alternate Format Text Materials for Students with a Print Disability: Getting the most out of Today’s Technologies,” published in the CACUSS Newsletter in June 2004, highlighting the importance of accessible educational materials.
- Honors and Awards:
- Hall of Merit Inductee (April 1988): Recognized by Loyola High School of Montreal for his service to students with disabilities.
- Outstanding Young Citizen in Montreal (January 1979): Awarded by the West Island Jaycees Unit for his contributions to the community.
- Community Engagement: Served as a member of the Board of Directors for the Concordia University Alumni Association, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to the university community.
Dr. Bissonnette’s career reflects a steadfast dedication to enhancing educational accessibility and supporting students with disabilities, leaving a lasting impact on the academic community at Concordia University and beyond.