Dr. David Leitch
Dr. David Leitch, Director of the Fred Smithers Centre of Support for Students with Disabilities at Saint Mary’s, has received the Dr. Burnley Allen "Rocky" Jones Individual Award from the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission. The award recognizes Dr. Leitch's 30-year career of improving access to education for people with disabilities.
Each year the Commission honours deserving Nova Scotians, nominated by their peers, for work in the field of human rights, social justice and advocacy.
In his nomination materials, Dr. David Leitch was described as a compassionate and incredible human being who is not afraid of a challenge and who has been a committed change-maker in the lives of people with disabilities.
As Director of Counselling at Saint Mary's, he spearheaded the establishment of Fred Smithers Centre for Support for Students with Disabilities.
His research supported the view that persons with disabilities were significantly under represented within higher education.
Prior to St. Mary’s, Dr. Leitch was a Director of Help Line, where he gained insight into the struggles faced by many members of our community.