August 12, 2025
August has just begun which means our events calendar is being slowly filled for upcoming events (even some DEAM ones). Here’s what’s coming up for us from now into mid September!
1.3rd Annual Queerly Disabled – Join us at the Calgary Scope Society, Friday August 22, 2025 from 1 pm – 4:30 pm for the 3rd Annual Queerly Disabled Event.
Queerly Disabled is an event celebrating the intersection of queer and disabled identities. This year there will be an all ages mini market, presentations and popcorn!!
The event aims to foster a safe and supportive space where everyone can come together to share their stories, ask questions, and celebrate our unique identities. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, make new friends, and learn from other queer and disabled artists or from local organizations that support queer and disabled folks.
Throughout the day, you’ll have the chance to check out local artists across Alberta’s art, jewlery, plants, etc. Or learn and connect with local non-profit organizations. Or just come for some popcorn and to hangout! Either way, all are welcome!
2. Disability in the Media with Kello Inclusive – Join us on on September 10th from 12 pm to 1:30 pm with Katie MacMillan from Kello Inclusive, as part of AEFN’s DEAM 2025 Campaign. Disability in the Media invites employers and disability sector professionals to explore how media can move beyond tokenism toward authentic disability representation.
The session will examine the historical exclusion of disabled voices in Canadian media, challenge harmful tropes such as the “Super Crip” and “Tragic Victim,” and emphasize the importance of cross-disability perspectives and inclusive language.
Attendees will learn how to identify ableism, adopt more responsible storytelling practices, and involve disabled talent at every stage of media creation. Real-world examples from Kello Inclusive will demonstrate what meaningful inclusion looks like in practice, while practical tools and strategies will help participants evaluate and improve their own media content.
The session will conclude with an open Q&A, reinforcing the call to shift narratives by centering disabled voices and building inclusive, accessible media from the ground up.
ASL available upon request.
3. DEAM Workshop with the Calgary Chamber of Commerce – Get ready for Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) this October with this member-exclusive workshop designed to help businesses take proactive steps toward workplace inclusion. Happening on September 16th from 12pm-1pm at the Calgary Chamber Office.
Featuring a presentation from the Alberta Employment First Network (AEFN), this session will equip employers with the knowledge and resources to support inclusive hiring and workplace accessibility.
What you’ll learn:
1. What is DEAM, and who is it for?
2. How can employers get involved?
3. Why is it important for DEAM to be a provincial initiative?
4. Resources for DEAM
This workshop is your opportunity to engage with experts from the Alberta Employment First Network, connect with fellow Chamber members and gain actionable strategies to make a difference in your workplace.
4. DEAM/AEFN Breakout session at the WorkForce Albert Summit – The WorkFirst Alberta Summit is a two day event taking place on September 16 and 17 in Red Deer, Alberta, bringing together the Government of Alberta, led by the Ministry of Assisted Living and Social Services, alongside employers, employment service providers, industry leaders, and community organizations.
The summit will showcase innovative programs and partnerships supporting workforce development across the province, with keynote speakers, engaging panel discussions, and networking opportunities focused on employing persons with disabilities, supporting youth employment, advancing mental health in the workplace, and driving innovation, inclusion, and economic development.
The event will also feature a province wide Employment Services Showcase on Day Two, connecting attendees with organizations driving real impact in Alberta’s labour market.
