In addition to her major in Professional Communication, Cady is also completing her minor in Acting/Dance Studies. Inspired by Elle Woods á la Legally Blonde, Cady is excited to begin her J.D. candidacy with The Bora Laskin Faculty of Law at Lakehead University in Fall 2021. Through her legal career, she hopes to continue to research, collaborate, and advocate using the diverse skill set she has developed throughout her time as a ProCom student.
During her tenure at Ryerson, Cady has been an active participant in a variety of student groups. This past year, Cady has served as the President of the Professional Communication Course Union (PCCU) where she organized an international case competition alongside her impassioned teammates. Cady has also been an active member of the Ryerson Musical Theatre Company (RMTC) and looks forward to a time when she and her friends are able to share the stage once more. Most recently, Cady was honoured with the Dennis Mock Student Leadership Award for her extracurricular involvement, both in ProCom and the greater Ryerson community.
Cady is particularly interested in exploring accessibility concerns in rural Canadian communities – especially as they pertain to Indigenous and older adult populations. Cady would like to dedicate this research to her fellow crafters (of all ages) and the LTC heroes of yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
Throughout the duration of my research, I have been examining the ways in which crafting could be used as an enrichment therapy for folks living in long-term care facilities – particularly those experiencing dementia. While my scope initially began with handicrafts (such as knitting or crocheting), the breadth of my research expanded as I became more familiar with the ways in which these crafts are adapted and modified to suit individual abilities and needs. Ultimately, through various surveys and interviews of Canadian LTC workers, I have determined a positive correlation between crafting and mood, social skills, and overall sense of wellbeing. With that said, there are a number of significant systemic barriers which hinder the viability of crafting as an enrichment therapy, namely short-staffing, budget limitations, and cuts to government aid programs.
In sum, the primary intention of this research is to advocate for more comprehensive care plans for LTC clients, illustrate the incredible work that is being putforth in our LTC homes, and to raise awareness about the most pressing concerns that cause undue hardship for LTC clients, care staff, and families.
