March 21, 2024
Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) in 2023 brought increased awareness
throughout the province with tangible strategies and actions to support the hiring of
Albertans with disabilities. This is the first year, Alberta First Employment Network
(AEFN), in partnership with The Alberta Government, Seniors, Community and Social
Services funding, empowers community members to host DEAM activities and events in
their communities by delivering grants across Alberta to support during the month of
October. DEAM 2023 brought together service providers, employers, self advocates,
community stakeholders and community members to celebrate, educate and raise
awareness around employment inclusion for people with disabilities.
The DEAM Alberta Provincial Steering Committee, supported by AEFN, was able to
award 15 grants and host the 2nd annual DEAM IDEA Conference in Edmonton. These
events allowed for connection, key stakeholder engagement and amplified a collective
voice and a united provincial approach to DEAM. DEAM 2023 had many successes
within the supported employment sector and increased awareness of Albertans with
disabilities as a valuable talent pool to meet the current and future workforce demands.
Regions that participated and celebrated DEAM include Calgary, Edmonton, Beaumont,
Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Bonnyville, Grande Prairie, Vegreville, St. Paul, Cold Lake,
Lac La Biche, Bonnyville, Athabasca, Barrhead, Westlock, Levern, Moses Lake and
Standoff. An increase from 2022 of regions that participated in and celebrated DEAM
collectively across Alberta.
