About us

Alberta Employment First Network brings Albertans together to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities. This network exists to fill gaps in employment identified by people with disabilities and employment service providers. By working with businesses, AEFN bridges conversations and connections that transform workplaces to increase meaningful and accessible employment for people with disabilities. We host the annual Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) Inclusion Diversity Equity Accessibility (IDEA) Conference. AEFN also offers year-round capacity building events, resources, business spotlights, and community connections. This project is funded by the Government of Alberta.

A group of people sitting at tables with laptops

Our Purpose

The purpose of AEFN is:

To build upon existing foundation for connection and collaboration by employment ecosystem stakeholders across Alberta.

To serve Employers, Services Providers and community stakeholders through a range of province-wide delivery events and employment services to create Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) within the workforce.

The short-term vision

Increasing opportunities for connection and collaboration between diversity, equity and inclusion employment community stakeholders’ results in improved employment outcomes for Albertans with disabilities.

The long term vision

A sustainable Alberta Employment First Network (AEFN) with diverse membership is having an impact in supporting business excellence, improving employment inclusion, fostering workplace diversity and celebrating the many and varied contributions of workers with disabilities in Alberta.

What We Do

Enhancing Employment Outcomes

We strive to level the playing field, helping job seekers with disabilities find rewarding work that resonates with their skills and interests.

Empowering Our Network

We build capacity within our network by providing resources, tools, and training that enables our members to better serve their clients and promote inclusive employment.

Engaging Employers

We partner with businesses of all sizes across Alberta, advocating for workplace diversity and inclusivity, while providing them with the resources to hire, train, and support employees with disabilities.

Supporting Policymakers

We offer insight, data, and recommendations to policymakers, to shape legislation that fosters inclusive employment and removes barriers for individuals with disabilities.