Born with profound hearing loss, Lorin MacDonald has emerged as one of Canada's most influential voices in human rights law and disability advocacy, dedicating her career to dismantling barriers and transforming how society views and includes people with disabilities.
As founder and principal of HearVue Inc., Lorin combines her lived experience with extensive legal expertise to deliver innovative accessibility training and consulting services across Canada. Her groundbreaking work at Toronto Metropolitan University's Lincoln Alexander School of Law, where she developed and teaches an innovative Disability Law curriculum, exemplifies her commitment to embedding disability perspectives within legal education and practice.
Lorin's sustained work has garnered numerous prestigious honours. In 2021, Canadian Lawyer magazine recognized her among the Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers in Human Rights. The following year brought a remarkable trifecta: the Law Society Medal, the Law Society of Ontario's highest distinction (LSM), induction into the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame, and appointment to the Order of Ontario (OOnt). Her tireless advocacy for women and girls with disabilities earned her the 2023 Governor General's Award in Commemoration of the Persons Case. In 2024, she reached new heights with her appointment to the Order of Canada (CM), recognition as March of Dimes Canada's Disability Changemaker of the Year, and receipt of the Ontario Human Rights Commission's Daniel G. Hill Human Rights Award for Distinguished Service. Most recently, Lorin received King Charles III’s Coronation Medal.
Beyond these accolades, Lorin's enduring impact lies in her ability to effect systemic change. Through speaking engagements, training sessions, and consulting work, she challenges conventional thinking about disability inclusion while mentoring the next generation of legal professionals.
Lorin received her law degree (JD) from Western University’s Faculty of Law and lives in Toronto, Ontario.
