In October, AEFN hosted three DEAM events, bringing together representatives from multiple industries, government, employment support providers, advocates, and members of the disability community. DEAM marked its eighth year of official celebration in Alberta following the 2017 proclamation, though community-led events have taken place for more than a decade.
Across the province, numerous grant recipients held local DEAM events with AEFN’s support. Since 2023, AEFN has contributed to 49 DEAM events, helping expand reach and awareness throughout Alberta. For a full breakdown of this year’s activities, visit our events calendar.
DEAM Alberta Kick-Off
Returning for a second year, AEFN co-hosted the virtual DEAM Alberta Kick-Off alongside MentorAbility Alberta. With a focus on mentorship, the event featured two speakers who have participated in the MentorAbility program.
Laura Lee Ross, a mentor in the program, is a passionate advocate for inclusive spaces and the power of design to influence positive change. With a background in Interior Design, LEED and WELL Building accreditation, and training in Change Management and Facilitation, she brings extensive expertise in sustainability and human well-being in the built environment. Laura Lee shared how mentorship can support both professional growth and inclusive practice.
Heather Fincati, a proud MentorAbility mentee, is an advocate for inclusive employment with more than 15 years of experience in administration and finance. Now pursuing a new career in program coordination and operations within Calgary’s tech sector, Heather spoke about how the mentorship program empowered her to explore new opportunities and expand her community involvement.
We were also honoured to be joined by former Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek, a strong supporter of Alberta’s disability sector, who delivered a live proclamation declaring October as Disability Employment Awareness Month.
Sixty attendees joined us online to kick off the month. The energy was positive, and it was wonderful to see both familiar supporters and newcomers engaging with DEAM for the first time.
DEAM IDEA Conference — Networking Event
On the evening of October 2nd, AEFN welcomed attendees to the second annual pre-conference networking event. Designed as a casual space for connection before a day of learning, the event featured 16 exhibitors, a vendor, and a dedicated booth showcasing a video project.
Hosted at the Telus Convention Centre, the venue provided an accessible and spacious environment, including sensory booths that reduced noise for attendees needing a quiet space. Accessibility was prioritized through table heights, clear navigation routes, and inclusive washroom access. A passport activity encouraged visits to each exhibitor. Melba from Bowness Soap Works—an inclusive employer—sold an impressive number of soaps and mugs throughout the evening.
In follow-up surveys, attendees highlighted the value of networking opportunities, noting that conferences often don’t provide enough time for informal conversations and business connections.
The “Living Library” project, created with Mike Wing, disability self-advocate, was showcased during the event. The project features nine individuals with lived experience of disability, each sharing their employment journeys. While some themes overlapped, the project underscored the unique experiences and voices within the pan-disability community. Watch the videos here.
Exhibitors included: Goodwill Alberta, Gateway Association, AAISA, MentorAbility, ATB Financial, DHA Alberta, Community Futures Treaty 7, Lifemark, Better Belonging, AWES, Vecova, The Alberta Chambers of Commerce, The Government of Alberta, Centre for Newcomers, MCG Careers, Bowness Soap Works, and CBI Health.
AEFN will continue creating spaces—both in-person and virtual—where employers, employment support providers, government, and people with disabilities can connect meaningfully. These cross-sector rooms are important, and we are proud to help build them.
DEAM IDEA Conference
The Telus Convention Centre hosted the 4th annual DEAM IDEA Conference—an event that doubled in attendance, expanded its provincial reach, and welcomed a broad range of industries. The venue’s accessibility was of most importance. AEFN ensured ramp access to the stage and an adjustable podium.
The day opened with emcee Benveet Gill, founder of Reyu, followed by a prayer from Elder Gerald Sitting Eagle. This year, the program included new academic perspectives, most notably from Dr. Kathleen Sitter of the University of Calgary. She shared her work through the Multisensory Research Studio, which supports storytelling through accessible and creative methods such as art. She presented a video created by a neurodivergent participant, reminding attendees of the power of personal narrative in fostering understanding and inclusion.
A panel featuring ATB Financial, led by Mitch Lawson of Catalyst (SACLA), discussed ATB’s accessibility initiatives. Panelists Sean Crump (Director of Accessibility) and Susy Ko (Talent and Attraction) emphasized that inclusion within your organization is an ongoing journey informed by education and lived experience, rather than a fixed destination.
Over the lunch hour, attendees were able to visit the sensory room – a space away from the noise with an opportunity to relax in a sensory friendly environment with zines, sensory items and education material.
Following an update on the Alberta Workforce Initiatives and Inclusive Employment Initiatives from Shauna Feth, President and CEO of the Alberta Chambers of Commerce, the afternoon activities commenced. The afternoon workshop was facilitated by Rosanna Mascarenhas, a facilitator and employee of AAISA. Attendees explored the full lifecycle of employees with disabilities, informed by insights gathered from focus groups with the disability community. Participants concluded the day by identifying priority accessibility actions, including:
- Building a community of practice
- Auditing policies
- Inclusion training led by people with lived experience
- Creating growth opportunities
- Flexible work arrangements
- Culture days
- Regular feedback meetings
- Proactively offering accommodations
- Asking employees about their needs on an ongoing basis
Thank you to our sponsors: ATB, CBI Health, MentorAbility Alberta, and Deaf & Hear Alberta.
The conference was exceptionally well received by employers, employment service providers, and community members. Onward to next year!
