Ontario Disability Employment Network (ODEN), Ottawa, ON (2026)

08/24/2026

What could your workplace or community do r to recognize National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October?

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is an opportunity to bring employers, Employment Service Providers, and communities together to recognize the skills and contributions of people who have a disability and advance disability inclusive employment.

This year, we’re putting the business case at the center of the conversation with Skills Grow Economies. Disability Inclusion Fuels the Growth.

Want to be part of it?

Join us on September 1 at 1:00 p.m. ET for Get Involved with NDEAM 2026!

Learn what’s planned for October, explore this year’s campaign resources and events, and leave with practical ways to bring NDEAM into your workplace, organization, and community.

Register: https://ontariodisabilityemploymentnetwork15.wildapricot.org/event-6799524

[Image Description]

A graphic for ODEN’s “Get Involved: NDEAM 2026” information session. White text on a purple background lists the event details: September 1, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. ET, online. A black-and-white photo shows a diverse group of people interacting and preparing for a community campaign. The ODEN logo appears at the top, with a blue “Register Today” banner at the bottom.

08/20/2026

Finding skilled talent takes more than posting a job.

More employers are looking to work-integrated learning to build future talent pipelines and connect with emerging professionals before they graduate.

Join ODEN's next Business Lunch & Learn to learn how Wilfrid Laurier University's Sapphire Program is helping employers do exactly that. Through supported, paid work placements, the program connects organizations with talented post-secondary students who have autism while providing guidance and resources to support successful employment experiences.

During this session, you'll discover how to access pre-screened student candidates, available employer supports, and practical insights for building a successful partnership with the Sapphire Program.

If you're exploring new recruitment strategies or looking to expand your organization's talent pipeline, this session offers a practical opportunity to connect with the workforce of tomorrow!

Register Today: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/business-lunch-learn-connecting-talent-and-opportunity-tickets-1993336694713?aff=Facebook

[Image Description]

A graphic with black background and white text at the top left corner that reads: ODEN Lunch & Learn Series, Discover the Sapphire Program: Connecting Talent with Opportunity, Sept 8, 2026 at 12:00 PM to 1:00PM, Online. Below this text, there are two gradient light blue and purple rectangles with circular images of the two speakers. The first circle is an image of a woman wearing a black long sleeve and long blond hair smiling straight ahead. Beside this image is black text that reads: Jennifer Ridley, Disability Employment Specialist. The second circle is an image of a woman wearing a black collared shirt and short brown hair smiling straight ahead. Beside this image is black text that reads: Laura Allen, Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Wilfred Laurier University. At the bottom centre of the graphic is white text that reads: Register Today.

08/19/2026

Stay tuned for Episode 46, coming next Tuesday!

Attitudes towards disability begin forming in childhood. Sounds kind of obvious, but how often do we think about that?

There are lots of educational and parental ways to instill positive disability awareness and acceptance of difference in kids.

One way is through fostering a love of reading…through storytelling and children’s literature that’s inclusive.

Paul McAllister has lived experience being one those kids who was different. He grew up to become the founder and publisher behind in Fredericton, New Brunswick.

Don’t miss this conversation! Paul shares his story and perspective on why getting kids to become disability aware is so monstrously important for all of us.

[Image Description]
A gradient dark purple and dark blue square graphic promoting Episode 46 of You Can’t Spell Inclusion Without a D. There’s an orange band across the top. Heavy black text in the band reads, Episode 46. Below the band at the left is the show artwork for the You Can’t Spell Inclusion Without a D podcast in a square box outlined white. To the right, large white text against the gradient purple and blue background reads, Instilling Disability Awareness Early in Childhood. Below the podcast artwork and episode title text there’s a photo in splash frame of a bearded man with glasses sitting on a condominium balcony with one arm resting on the railing. He’s smiling at the camera. There’s a wooded hill and a river in the background.Text under the photo identifies the man as Paul McAllister. At the left below the photo, there’s an orange band with black text that reads, Coming August 25 on Podbean. In white space along the bottom of the graphic there’s a Government of Ontario logo and small black text that reads, You Can’t Spell Inclusion Without a D is funded in part by the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.

08/18/2026

NDEAM 2026 is coming. How will you bring the campaign to your workplace and community?

Join us on September 1 at 1:00 p.m. ET for the “Get Involved with NDEAM 2026” Webinar!

This year’s theme, Skills Grow Economies. Disability Inclusion Fuels the Growth., puts the skills and talent of people who have a disability at the center of the conversation and highlights disability inclusion as a strategy for stronger workplaces and economies.

Whether you’re an employer, Employment Service Provider, or community leader, this session will give you practical ways to get involved. Learn about the 2026 campaign, access resources to support your participation, explore ways to engage your workplace or community, and find out how to take part in Light It Up! For NDEAM™ on October 15.

October is an opportunity to start conversations, engage employers and communities, and recognize all the skills that contribute to Canada’s workforce!

Register: https://ontariodisabilityemploymentnetwork15.wildapricot.org/event-6799524

[Image Description]

A graphic for ODEN’s “Get Involved: NDEAM 2026” information session. White text on a purple background lists the event details: September 1, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. ET, online. A black-and-white photo shows a diverse group of people smiling and excited as they prepare for a community campaign. The ODEN logo appears at the top, with a blue “Register Today” banner at the bottom.

08/14/2026

We’re proud to welcome Community Services Benefits Trust (CSBT) as a returning Platinum Sponsor of the Rethinking Disabilities Conference 2026 (RDC26): Collaborate to Innovate!

For more than two decades, CSBT has provided employee benefit plans designed for organizations in the community services sector. Today, they support more than 2,000 organizations and over 50,000 employees and their families across Canada.

Their commitment to supporting community organizations makes CSBT a valued collaborator for RDC26 as we bring together Employment Service Providers, businesses, and sector leaders from across Ontario.

Thank you, CSBT, for supporting RDC26 and the people doing the work to advance disability inclusion in employment!

Sponsorships still available. (please link to the sponsorship PDF on the website) Secure your spot today!

[Image Description]

Promotional graphic for RDC26, Rethinking Disability Conference, on a purple geometric background. The RDC26 logo appears at the top above a blue banner reading “Platinum Sponsor.” The centre features the CSBT Community Services Benefits Trust logo with “Powered by GroupHEALTH.” Below is a “Register Now” call to action. Along the bottom are the ODEN logo, Address of the Sheraton Parkway Toronto North in Richmond Hill, and conference dates, November 2–4.

08/13/2026

It’s live….be sure to catch our newest episode!

In Episode 45, we’re marking the 30th anniversary of Project SEARCH with a conversation about this unique program.

It’s one that’s playing a significant role in helping businesses make sure they have up-and-coming talent to fill roles…while training high-school students who have a disability to succeed in the workplace.

It started in Cincinatti, in 1996 as a recruitment and retention strategy in the health care sector.

There now over 700 Project SEARCH sites worldwide including more than two dozen across Canada.

Tune in to Episode 45 (with guest Co-host Ingrid Muschta) and find out all about Project SEARCH, especially if you’re a business leader or owner!

Don’t miss this conversation with Carolyn Mcdougall from Holland Bloorview Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital in Toronto. She’s the Ontario and Canada Co-ordinator of Project SEARCH Canada.

–Download the episode from Podbean: https://rebrand.ly/hl51lzd
–Listen on Podbean: https://rebrand.ly/vhhw4o5
—Download, listen and share on our website: https://rebrand.ly/gqgrxdk
–Episode transcript: https://rebrand.ly/q7146nj

You can also find You Can’t Spell Inclusion Without a D on these podcast distribution apps:

–Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/you-cant-spell-inclusion-without-a-d/id1672625906

–Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7wCOmyu4Kdt7M3zrAS26Og

–Amazon Music/Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/6d75df5a-24fd-41d1-8b8c-ab8e1841a3c3

[Image Description]

A gradient dark purple and dark blue square graphic promoting Episode 45 of You Can’t Spell Inclusion Without a D. There’s an orange band across the top. Heavy black text in the band reads, Episode 45. Below the band at the left is the show artwork for the You Can’t Spell Inclusion Without a D podcast in a square box outlined white. To the right, large white text against the gradient purple and blue background reads, Bringing Project SEARCH to your Community. Below the podcast artwork and episode title text there’s a centered head-and-shoulders shot in a splash frame, of a woman with salt-and-pepper hair smiling at the camera. Her head is cocked to her left. Text under the photo identifies her as Carolyn Mcdougall. At the left below the photo, large white text reads, New episode live! Smaller white text at the right reads, Tune in on Podbean or wherever you find your favourite podcasts. In white space along the bottom of the graphic there’s a Government of Ontario logo and small black text that reads, You Can’t Spell Inclusion Without a D is funded in part by the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.

08/13/2026

How has job development changed, and what can we learn from what worked before?

We’re pleased to welcome Michael Bennett, Owner/Consultant at Bennett Edge, to the Rethinking Disabilities Conference 2026 (RDC26): Collaborate to Innovate.

In his session, "A Subtle Look at Job Development and the Way It Was. Where Is It Now and How Do We Get What Once Worked – Back!," Michael will bring the conversation back to the fundamentals of job development and explore how the work has evolved.

For Employment Service Providers, it’s an opportunity to reflect on current approaches, consider what has changed, and explore practices that can strengthen connections between job seekers and employers.

Michael’s session is one of many conversations happening at RDC26. Over three days, professionals from across Ontario will come together to learn from one another and explore what’s next for the sector.

Join us November 2-4,2026, in Richmond Hill, Ontario.

Registration Today: https://ontariodisabilityemploymentnetwork15.wildapricot.org/event-6586351%20

And there’s more to come. Stay tuned as we announce more RDC26 sessions!

[Image Description]

Image description: A purple graphic promoting RDC26. On the left is a photo of Michael Bennett, a bald man wearing a blue-and-white checkered shirt, seated and smiling slightly at the camera. On the right, he is identified as Owner/Consultant at Bennett Edge. Below his name, is the session title, “A Subtle Look at Job Development and the Way It Was. Where Is It Now and How Do We Get What Once Worked – Back!” A “Register Today!” banner appears at the top right. The ODEN logo is at the bottom left, with the RDC26 theme, “Collaborate to Innovate,” across the bottom.

08/10/2026

What if your next great hire came through an innovative work-integrated learning program?

Join ODEN's next Business Lunch & Learn to discover the Sapphire Program from Wilfrid Laurier University that connects employers with talented post-secondary students who have autism through supported, paid work placements.

Originally developed to help students transition from post-secondary education into meaningful employment, the Sapphire Program has become a leading model for inclusive work-integrated learning. By partnering with employers, the program helps bridge the gap between education and the workplace while giving organizations access to emerging talent and the support needed for successful hiring.

During this session, you'll learn how the program works, how to connect with pre-screened student candidates, available wage subsidies and onboarding supports, and how your organization can become a Sapphire employer partner.

Date & Time: Sept 8th, 2026 at 12PM
Location: Online

Save your spot today: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/business-lunch-learn-connecting-talent-and-opportunity-tickets-1993336694713?aff=Facebook

[Image Description]

At the top half of the graphic with a black background, there is an image of two people working in an office. A woman with long brown hair wearing a brown collared shirt is teaching the new student a workplace process. The student has long black hair and is wearing grey collared shirt. Below the image, there is white text that reads: ODEN Lunch & Learn Series, Discover the Sapphire Program: Connecting Talent with Opportunity, September 8, 2026 at 12:00 PM Online. Below this text, is a gradient light blue and purple rectangle with black text that reads: Register Today.

08/07/2026

We’re marking the 30th anniversary of Project SEARCH in Episode 45, coming next Tuesday!

This unique program is playing a significant role in helping businesses make sure they have up-and-coming talent to fill roles…while training high-school students who have a disability to succeed in the workplace.

It was started at Cincinnatti Children’s Hospital Medical Center in 1996 as a recruitment and retention strategy….and brought to Canada in 2019.

There are now more than two dozen Project SEARCH sites across Canada…and over 700 worldwide.

It’s a unique collaboration between businesses, educators and school boards.

Be sure to tune to Episode 45 (with guest Co-host Ingrid Muschta) and find out all about Project SEARCH, especially if you’re a business leader or owner!

Don’t miss this conversation with Carolyn McDougall from Holland Bloorview Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital in Toronto.

She’s the Ontario and Canada Co-ordinator of Project SEARCH Canada.

[image — Episode 45 Canva artwork]

[Image Description]
A gradient dark purple and dark blue square graphic promoting Episode 45 of You Can’t Spell Inclusion Without a D. There’s an orange band across the top. Heavy black text in the band reads, Episode 45. Below the band at the left is the show artwork for the You Can’t Spell Inclusion Without a D podcast in a square box outlined white. To the right, large white text against the gradient purple and blue background reads, Bringing Project SEARCH to your Community. Below the podcast artwork and episode title text there’s a centered head-and-shoulders shot in a splash frame, of a woman with salt-and-pepper hair smiling at the camera. Her head is cocked to her left. Text under the photo identifies her as Carolyn McDougall. At the left below the photo, there’s an orange band with black text that reads, Coming August 11 on Podbean. In white space along the bottom of the graphic there’s a Government of Ontario logo and small black text that reads, You Can’t Spell Inclusion Without a D is funded in part by the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.

07/29/2026

Hiring is changing. Is your talent strategy keeping up?

Finding and retaining talent continues to be a priority for employers across Ontario. The RDC26 Business Stream brings together HR professionals, business leaders, managers, and supervisors for a morning of practical learning focused on expanding talent pipelines and building more disability inclusive workplaces.

Led by ODEN's Disability Employment Inclusion Specialists, you'll gain strategies to strengthen your recruitment practices, better understand disability inclusion in today's workforce, and create workplaces where employees can succeed.

You'll also learn from Mark Wafer, internationally recognized disability inclusion expert, former Tim Hortons franchise owner, and member of ODEN's Business Champions League. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience as a disability inclusive employer, Mark will share practical lessons on how disability inclusion has strengthened his business and why it continues to make business sense.

Business Stream participants will also receive:
- 3.75 HRPA-accredited Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours
- ODEN Disability Awareness Confidence Training
- A certificate of completion

Whether you're looking to strengthen your hiring strategy, grow your leadership skills, or earn professional development hours, the RDC26 Business Stream is an opportunity to learn, connect, and take strategies back to your workplace.

Spaces are limited! Register today: https://ontariodisabilityemploymentnetwork15.wildapricot.org/event-6771355

[Image Description]

Promotional graphic for RDC26 – Rethinking Disability Conference. A purple background features the conference logo, the theme "Collaborate to Innovate," and a call to action to "Register Now." A pink banner highlights the Business Stream as a one-day event. Event details: Tuesday, November 3, at Sheraton Parkway Toronto North, 9005 Leslie Street, Richmond Hill, Ontario. The ODEN logo appears in the bottom right.

Ontario Disability Employment Network (ODEN)

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