Warren Rupnarain, Career Advocate for Accessibility Works to Make it “Thumbs Up”

AccessTALK with Trish

My guest this week will be Warren Rupnarain, the Accessibility and Diversity Coordinator for the City of Vaughan. Leading the City’s efforts to implement accessible services and programs that support a barrier-free community, Warren provides strategic and policy advice to City departments implementing and complying with provincially mandated accessibility standards. In addition, he develops and implements workplace diversity-related strategies, programs and services to engage and support the organization’s diverse communities and stakeholders. Warren also provides support to the Vaughan Accessibility Advisory Committee and provides community outreach and liaison activities. Prior to his work for the City of Vaughan, Warren was the Accessibility Coordinator for the City of Markham, where he coordinated the City`s efforts in meeting all legislative requirements to implement best practices that ensured equity and inclusivity of people with disabilities. And before Markham, Warren was the Government Relations Advocate at March of Dimes Canada. While in this role, he appeared on Canada AM, CBC Radio, City TV, Toronto Star and various other media to raise awareness of disability and accessibility issues. He was also the lead advocate and host of “Warrens World.” During this project, he promoted accessibility and interviewed politicians to obtain opinions and support on the creation of a “Canadians with Disabilities Act.”