What a year it’s been! With numerous events, presentations, and an ever-growing network, we’re deeply grateful for the connections we’ve made and the many opportunities that came our way in 2025. Early in the year, AEFN opened applications for Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) grants. We awarded funding to 21 events, adding to an already vibrant roster of DEAM activities …
Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) 2025 at Alberta Employment First Network
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 …
The Canadian Brewhouse cares about community
An interview with Amie Jonas Conversations around inclusion in the workplace often begin with policy. They involve frameworks, checklists, training modules. But at The Canadian Brewhouse, the journey towards inclusive practices did not begin as a regulatory requirement, it started with a question: how can we better support our communities? The answer continues to evolve. The Canadian Brewhouse (CBH), a …
Imagining a Barrier- Free Alberta
Movements rarely begin with big headlines. Most often, they begin with a conversation and community. For Alberta’s disability advocacy community, that conversation began in 2007, when someone within the Calgary Ability Network recognized a troubling pattern: organizations were working in silos, often duplicating efforts and missing the opportunity to amplify their collective voice. That conversation has since grown into a …
Nothing about us without us
A discussion on advocacy groups in Alberta with Mike Wing and Kathleen Biersdorff Advocacy focused initiatives have often led revolutionary changes within government, politics or economic structures. Grassroots organizations that focus on bringing people together by creating a community of similar interests are working hard to shift policies and to influence decision makers. Although these methods are based on breaking …
A long standing community pillar
A wonderful resource in Edmonton has existed for over 50 years and is a pillar to the community of people with disabilities all over Alberta. When people with disabilities, service providers, or employers need a referral or a resource, Teresa Makarewich from Voices of Albertans with Disabilities will receive a call or a walk in. She is quick to help …
2024 DEAM IDEA Conference – Authenticity in Action
Alberta Employment First Network is wrapping up another month of Disability Employment Awareness. The month began with AEFN’s first DEAM Alberta Virtual Kick-Off in partnership with Gateway Association and the week continued with the 3rd annual DEAM IDEA Conference on October 3rd and 4th. The conference kicked off with a networking event with 100 attendees during the evening of October …
2024 Alberta DEAM Kick-Off
Virtual Edition with Alberta Employment First Network & Gateway Association On October 1st 2024 at 10 am MST, Alberta Employment First Network in collaboration with Gateway Association held their first Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) Virtual Kick-Off. 71 people registered for the event and the following speakers were featured: There were 3 videos featured during the virtual kick-off: The purpose …
Impact Over Everything
With Thabani Conrad Bhala , Founder of Canada Career Training and Chair of the Employment Action Table Efficient impact is the name of the game for Thabani Conrad Bhala. On account of the multiple hats that he wears, he makes sure to consult all relevant parties when spearheading a project and always considers the systems in place. Bhala currently sits …
Exploring Access to Meaningful Employment
With Cintia Lutz, founder of Able & Available Job Board Imagine a job board that identifies a list of inclusive employers. Even better than that – imagine a job posting that outlines accessibility options and reassures job seekers of a safe space. Or a posting that lists specific qualifications without the need to read in between the lines. Founder Cintia …
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