Leah Riddell is an active part of the WE-CAN community, participating in programs such as the OvercomeHER Coaching Program and Spark Marketing Services Program for Women Entrepreneurs. In addition, she received one-on-one High Impact Mentorship from WE-CAN mentor Judith Pineault.
Leah Riddell is an ASL instructor, sign language illustrator and the owner of Signable Vi5ion, a Kingston consulting agency specializing in inclusion communication practices in the workplace.
A long-time freelance photographer and graphics designer, Leah shifted her focus to become an ASL instructor 4 years ago. She specializes in inclusive communication training for communities and organizations. Today, her business educates adults through interactive presentations, practical workshops, and custom development programs.
Her goal is to work with businesses and individuals to create cultures of accessible communication in the workplace, and replace misconceptions about people with disabilities with meaningful, human-centric interaction.
Leah also designs and develops illustrations and photographs of art and products with her language.
She is an active board member for Ontario Cultural Society of the Deaf and Kingston’s Municipal Accessible Advisory Committee, and founded a grassroots organization, S5 Waves.
During COVID-19, Leah’s business model went from short-term survival along with long-term resilience and growth creating enough value for the customer.
“Pivoting required me to make an investment in new information technology, online website services, marketing and logistics,” Leah shares. “Using new platforms and techniques, I’ve been able to reach clients across Canada, and I have never done that before since my focus has always been on the Kingston region.”
Before COVID hit, SignAble Vi5ion had contract work doing in-person inclusive training sessions and some ASL instruction. Many of these bookings were canceled during the public health emergency due to physical distancing necessities.
“I was fortunate to transfer some ASL instruction to online virtual sessions, but had some setbacks when other training bookings were cancelled completely, deferred, or not suited to online delivery at the time,” says Leah. “I have had to purchase technology and revise office setup to meet my needs and adapt my service delivery to maximize remote learning opportunities.”
Leah has been an active part of the WE-CAN community, regularly attending workshops and events, and participating in programs such as the OvercomeHER Coaching Program and Spark Marketing Services Program for Women Entrepreneurs. In addition, she received one-on-one High Impact Mentorship from WE-CAN mentor Judith Pineault.
“I was pleased that WE-CAN provided interpreters and closed captioning for all of its webinars and meetings so I would be on equal playing field as other entrepreneurs,” Leah observes. “The mentorship provided through the WE-CAN Project was truly accommodating and enlightening and guided me in my growth plan for the business. It hasn’t been easy, but it has been an amazing journey. I am grateful to be part of an awesome community that has welcomed and supported me.”
During the past year, Leah has launched new industry-specific Business ASL training including ASL instruction for owners/employees of coffee shops, restaurants and cashiers with more modules to come. She has also delivered a successful workshop on Inclusive Communication through Kingston Economic Development Corporation.
“In the months ahead, I will be providing more resources for businesses and individuals to improve awareness, knowledge and understanding of varied communication needs and promote positive attitudes and behaviours,” Leah says.
The WE-CAN Project is led by Queen’s University and funded in part by FedDev Ontario through the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES) Ecosystem Fund.