TetraCon
On February 27th, Tetra Society of North America presented its 5th annual virtual TetraCon!
No Limits, Endless Possibilities
This year’s TetraCon embraced the theme “No Limits, Endless Possibilities.” The conference showcased the strides the Tetra Society has made in helping people with disabilities to achieve their goals and ambitions.
Since 1987, the Tetra Society of North America has connected people with disabilities to skilled volunteers who design and build devices that eliminate environmental barriers at work, home, school, and play. This includes adaptations for a diverse range of recreational activities like video games, sports, and music, as well as ensuring a healthy and safe sex life and enabling independent travel across the globe. At this year’s TetraCon, we heard just a few examples of Tetra’s mission in action, supporting a wide variety of activities and ensuring inclusivity.
Tetra’s coordinators and MCs, Eric, Sylvia, Steve, and Crystal, guided us through presentations from chapters and guests across Canada. TetraCon had something for everyone!
Schedule for the Day
| Time (PT) | Event Subject |
|---|---|
| 10:00 AM | Welcome remarks, and land acknowledgement from Eric Molendyk. |
| 10:15 AM | Graeme Wyman, Executive Director opening remarks. |
| 11:00 AM | Dr. Leonard Lye and Claire McCarthy discuss Claire’s shooting table. |
| 11:30 AM | Lunch Break |
| 12:00 PM | Right at Home Canada – Rica Esguerra / Adrian Sayers – People Aging in Place. |
| 12:35 PM | Habitat for Humanity Ramp Project, Steven Schellenberg. |
| 1:05 PM | Ean Price, Technology for Independent Living. |
| 1:35 PM | Getting help from Tetra Society: How to have a custom assistive device designed, built and installed for you. |
| 2:00 PM | Event Ends |
Presenter Profiles
Ms. Claire McCarthy
Claire McCarthy is a second-year student at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador. She is completing a Bachelor of Science with a major in Psychology and a minor in Biology. Claire’s the recipient of the MUN Entrance Scholarship for academic performance, the Boyce Taylor Award for Compassionate Action from Holy Heart of Mary High School and named to the Faculty of Science Dean’s List for 2023-2024. Claire is a member of the Newfoundland and Labrador High Performance Team and one of the top Shooting Para Sport Athletes in Canada.
She has participated in events at the provincial, national and international levels. In May 2023, Claire competed at the International Shooting Competition of Hannover (ISCH), Germany, against athletes from across the globe in both World Shooting Para Sport 10m prone and standing events. More recently Claire competed in the Canadian Rifle National Championships this past August in both 10m air rifle (standing and prone disciplines) as well as the 50m smallbore (three-position and prone disciplines) finishing first in her category, SH1.
Dr. Leonard Lye
Dr. Leonard Lye is a Professor Emeritus at Memorial University of Newfoundland. Before retirement, he was a Professor of Civil Engineering and former Associate Dean. He is a Fellow of Engineers Canada, Fellow of the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering, Fellow of the Engineering Institute of Canada, and Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering. Leonard established the Newfoundland Chapter of the Tetra Society in 1996.
For the last 28 years, Leonard has been personally involved with practically all aspects of every project designed and made by the Society. For his long and dedicated work with the Tetra Society and people with disabilities, Leonard have received the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists Citation Award, the MUN’s Glenn Roy Blundon Award, Recreation Newfoundland “Bridging the Gap” Award, and Tetra Society’s Lifetime Achievement Award. He is now happily retired but still volunteers and supervise students working on Tetra projects, playing and teaching pickleball and the ukulele.
Simon Bonisteel
Simon Bonisteel is an accomplished project manager with a solid foundation in mechanical engineering, having earned his degree from Memorial University in 2016. He brings extensive experience across multiple sectors, including power generation, mining, structural, and public works. Simon’s expertise spans managing complex fabrication projects, leading site services, overseeing unionized workforces, and ensuring safety and operational efficiency. His professional background includes senior roles with DF Barnes Fabrication and Torngait Services, where he excelled in operational improvements and staff management.
Rica Esguerra
National Director Strategic Partnerships- Right at Home Canada
Rica joined Right at Home Canada in March 2020. She brings in over 18 years of expertise in the home care space both in US and in Canada. In her role, she fosters and cultivates strategic partnerships in a regional and national level and lives by the organization’s mission in improving the quality of life of the people they serve through advocacy.
Ean Price
Description for this block. Use this space for describing your block. Any text Ean Price is dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with physical disabilities. As Peer Team Lead and Innovation Strategist at Technology for Living, he leads initiatives that promote independence and inclusion. Ean helps members navigate their environments with greater ease and confidence, fostering autonomy and resilience. Through his company, ICAN Resource Group Inc., he provides assistive technology solutions and accessible travel consulting. Ean’s dedication to improving accessibility and creating a more inclusive world is evident in his work and passion.
Watch TetraCon 2025
Watch 2022’s TetraCon
Watch 2021’s TetraCon
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