OCTOBER
National Disability Employment
Awareness Month
October is lighting up!
As we continue to raise awareness of disability inclusion in the workplace and the benefits of hiring people with disabilities in the Muskoka-Kawarthas region, we invite you to participate in disability awareness workshops during National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) and the 5th annual Light It Up! for NDEAM event happening across Canada on Thursday, October 17
Together, we can drive action on disability inclusion in our community!
Join us for Light It Up! For NDEAM 2024
On Thursday, October 17 at 5 pm we’re taking part in lighting up Canada in purple and blue lights for one night to spotlight disability-inclusive employment.
We’re extending a warm invitation to all municipalities, businesses, and organizations in the Muskoka-Kawarthas region to light up their businesses or landmarks in purple and/or blue this Light It Up! For NDEAM event. There is no cost to register for this event.
Light It Up! For NDEAM is a national event organized by Ontario Disability Employment Network (ODEN) in collaboration with the Canadian Association for Supported Employment (CASE), MentorAbility Canada, Jobs Ability Canada, the Government of Canada, and other community organizations and agencies across the country.
Panel Discussions, Webinars, and Workshops
Take part in our free online workshops and conversations to learn more about disability employment and the benefits of inclusive hiring.
Thursday, October 3
11:00 a.m – 12:00 p.m.
The long-term success of your business depends on making sure that your customers have a positive experience, including those who have a disability. Disability-inclusive hiring leads to having internal expertise that can help you design products and services with disability and accessibility in mind, from concept to the final product. You can better serve consumers…and reach new customers and clients! Learn insights and ideas from this session about disability-inclusive hiring that you can start applying right away.
Tuesday, October 8
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Listen in on a conversation between Chief Accessibility Officer Stephanie Cadieux, President and CEO of LimeConnect Susan Lang, and HR Manager for Microsoft Jack McCormick as they explore accessibility requirements for hiring and recruitment. This session will focus on Integrated Accessibility Employment Standards, which mandates that employers ensure inclusive and accessible practices for job applicants with disabilities.
Register here for the Empowering Disability Employment Opportunities conversation
Wednesday, October 9
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
An accomplished panel of professionals who are blind, DeafBlind, or have vision loss discuss their career journey in science, technology, engineering, arts, or mathematics (STEAM). They’ll also share the supportive, inclusive policies and practices that benefit employees and employers alike.
This webinar is inspired by National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), which was created by the Office of Disability Employment Policy through the Department of Labor.
Tuesday, October 15
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Successful neurodiverse programs require more than just hires. Hear from a panel of experts who walk through the full life cycle of employment from recruitment and onboarding to professional development. Inclusion benefits everyone; it fosters a positive culture and helps successfully retain talent.
Panelists: Melissa Bradley, Director, Juan and Lisa Jones Center for Career Preparation; Beacon College -Dr. Oksana Hagerty, Dean of the Center for Student Success, Beacon College; and Marcia Scheiner, President and Founder of Integrate.
Click here to register for Neurodiversity in the Workplace panel discussion
Tuesday, October 22
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Join us for an introduction to Deaf Culture and American Sign Language (ASL) with Canadian Hearing Services ASL Instructor, Peter Skarp. Peter has been teaching ASL for more than 20 years and is a full-time ASL Trainer in the Interpreter Internship Program at Canadian Hearing Services.
- Learn basic ASL signs and phrases, including those specific to the workplace and employment services.
- Learn about asking a person’s preferred method of communication, communication tips for communicating with deaf people, information about using an interpreter, and an individual’s right to an interpreter.
This session is sponsored by Muskoka-Kawarthas Employment Services.
Registration not required. Click here on October 22 at 12 p.m. to join the workshop. (Save this Zoom link in your calendar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87195652098)
Tuesday, October 29
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
A crucial principle that empowers individuals with disabilities to make their own choices, take risks, and explore diverse career opportunities.
This webinar will challenge conventional ideas about career paths and employment for individuals with intellectual disabilities or on the autism spectrum. Explore how taking risks and finding meaningful jobs can ignite personal and professional growth.
Key insights and takeaways from this webinar will include:
- Rethinking Employment: Opening Minds to New Possibilities
Embracing the Dignity of Risk: Overcoming Challenges and Seizing Opportunities
Empowering Communities: Building Support Networks
Wednesday, October 30
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m
Wrap up NDEAM ’24 with ODEN when you join this ‘Championing Disability Inclusion in Employment’ panel discussion about the current state of disability inclusion in business, in Ontario!
You’ll hear their perspectives on:
- The nuances of and difference between disability-inclusive hiring and disability inclusion in the workplace — they’re not the same thing
- How to start the journey of making your business disability inclusive
- The impact David C. Onley, 28th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, made on disability inclusion in employment, in Ontario
- The current state of disability inclusion in business in Ontario, and how far we are from disability-inclusive hiring being “business as usual”
You’ll leave with insights that can help you have conversations about disability inclusion in your business, and for making your business disability inclusive!
Meet the Panelists:
- His Honour Mike Bradley, Mayor of Sarnia and ODEN Business Champion
- Danica McPhee, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Indigeneity Co-ordinator, Erie Shores HealthCare
- Robert Onley, Founder & Sr. Lawyer, Onley Law, and one of David C. Onley’s three sons
Closed captioning and ASL interpretation will be provided.
Click here to register for the Championing Disability Inclusion panel discussion.
Did you know?
- Disability inclusion and accessibility isn’t just a matter of business compliance with human rights and accessibility legislation, or a social responsibility. Disability inclusion is also a strategic business imperative that can drive growth, innovation and competitive advantage.
- Attitudes about disability are still one of the most common barriers to disability
inclusion in employment; they are what needs to change the most. - Most common disabilities are invisible. Many employees, including senior leaders, don’t fully disclose a disability.
- The Return on Disability Group notes a total global disability market of 5.28
billion people (people who have a disability plus family and friends) control
about US$13 trillion in disposable income.
