Air Canada’s Accessibility Advisory Committee
Air Canada’s Accessibility Advisory Committee was created in December 2023 to provide input and to guide us toward greater accessibility. The committee includes individuals who identify as having disabilities and are part of organizations that represent people with different disabilities and accessibility needs. The committee meets on a quarterly basis and is consulted on new and ongoing accessibility initiatives.
- Isabelle Ducharme
- Donna Jodhan
- Paul Rogers
- Joanne Smith
Meet the committee
Air Canada’s Accessibility Committee Member
Isabelle Ducharme
Isabelle Ducharme is the President of the Board of Directors of Keroul, a nonprofit organization working on making tourism culture more accessible for all. She has developed expertise in accessibility and inclusion, which she applies by evaluating content, and by giving training and conferences, both locally and internationally. Isabelle holds a master’s degree in Tourism Management and Planning from Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM).
Combined with her professional experience, her personal experience of living with spinal cord injury and getting around in a motorized wheelchair, contributed to her being invited to take part in the development of important norms such as ISO/TC 228 Tourism and related services and Accessibility standards Canada CAN-ASC-2.1 Standard on Outdoor Spaces.
Isabelle is a member of Air Canada’s Accessibility Advisory Committee and the Canadian Working Group on Mobility Aids of the Canadian Transportation Agency, as well as the Montréal Airport Community Advisory Committee. Her expertise in transport accessibility is also actively highlighted by her participation in Via Rail’s Advisory Committee on Universal Accessibility and as co-Chair of the Accessibility Committee of the International Association of Transportation Regulators.
Air Canada’s Accessibility Committee Member
Donna Jodhan
Donna J. Jodhan, LLB, ACSP, MBA, is a distinguished advocate, author, and entrepreneur. With a law degree and an MBA under her belt, Donna has become a respected figure in both legal and business circles. Her expertise extends beyond law into cyber security, where she was honoured with the NoVA Coast Apex Cyber Security Scholarship in 2024. Donna’s outstanding contributions to advocacy and public service were recognized in 2022 when she received the prestigious Queen's Platinum Jubilee Award.
A published author and an engaging blogger, Donna is known for her dinner mystery novels and podcasts, exploring a range of topics from social justice to personal empowerment.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Donna is a chess enthusiast, and she also enjoys pottery, knitting, and playing the piano. When not working, Donna finds solace by the sea, appreciating the tranquility of the beach. Through her diverse passions and achievements, she continues to inspire and make a lasting impact on the world around her.
Air Canada’s Accessibility Committee Member
Paul Rogers
Paul Rogers’ mission is to help others experience the power and journey of transformation to find their inner passion and true purpose. Having lived in three different countries, he has had four careers, starting as a successful commercial lawyer in the UK, transitioning to a kitesurf instructor, then working as teacher on a Native Cree reserve and now, a life coach and transformational expert.
Paul has come through two tragedies that were both devastating and life changing. He is a cancer survivor and sustained severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) when he and his wife were involved in a motor accident with a train.
Paul’s commitment to raise education and advocacy for Canadians affected by Brain Injury has channeled his energy as a sought-after keynote speaker for many virtual summits, a director on Brain Injury Canada, and a member of Air Canada’s Accessibility Advisory committee.
Air Canada’s Accessibility Committee Member
Joanne Smith
Joanne Smith is a passionate advocate for people with disabilities, with a career focused on raising awareness and addressing the unique challenges they face.
Joanne collaborates with SCI Canada to promote a more equitable and accessible Canada. She also runs her own nutrition practice specializing in neurological conditions. She contributes as a nutrition columnist to Canadian/US disability-focused publications and has partnered with universities on research studies. In 2013, she co-authored Eat Well Live Well with Spinal Cord Injury, the first-ever nutrition book tailored to individuals with SCI. Her career also includes broadcast journalism as a reporter and producer at CBC and hosting two national television programs highlighting the stories of Canadians with disabilities, including the Gemini Award-winning Moving On.
Joanne has shared her expertise as a keynote speaker at prestigious conferences, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers across North America, including the Mayo Clinic Neuro-Rehabilitation Summit. She holds a degree in psychology (York University), diplomas in radio and television broadcasting (Seneca College) and nutrition (Institute of Holistic Nutrition).
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Joanne has been a mentor and volunteer for organizations such as the Lyndhurst Rehabilitation Center, Easter Seals, and The Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons, demonstrating her deep commitment to empowering the disabled community.