Ontario Disability Employment Network (ODEN)

Ontario Disability Employment Network (ODEN) ODEN is a professional body of employment service providers united to increase employment opportunities for people who have a disability.

A healthy workplace is something we build together. Tomorrow is World Mental Health Day, an opportunity to recognize the...
10/09/2026

A healthy workplace is something we build together.

Tomorrow is World Mental Health Day, an opportunity to recognize the role workplaces can play in supporting mental health, reducing barriers, and creating environments where employees can participate and contribute.

Mental health-related disabilities are often invisible. We may not always know when a colleague is navigating a mental health challenge or when they need additional support.

In 2022, Statistics Canada found that 35% of employees who have a mental health -related disability did not make their employer aware of the accommodations they required. Among those who did not ask, 56% were uncomfortable asking and 47% feared a negative outcome.

For employers, these numbers reinforce why workplace culture matters. Having supports available is important, and so is creating an environment where employees feel comfortable accessing them.

This World Mental Health Day, explore Mental Health Works, an initiative of the Canadian Mental Health Association offering practical resources to help organizations build healthier and safer workplaces.

Explore the resources: https://www.mentalhealthworks.ca/resource/



[Image Description]

A woman at her desk with her hand against her forehead, indicating she is stressed. Large text reads: “35% of employees who have a mental health-related disability did not make their employer aware of the accommodations they required.” Source: Statistics Canada, 2022.

Employment Service Professionals - your next professional development opportunity is coming up this November! Join us No...
10/08/2026

Employment Service Professionals - your next professional development opportunity is coming up this November!

Join us November 2–4, 2026 in Richmond Hill for the Rethinking Disability Conference 2026: Collaborate to Innovate.

Over three days, connect with professionals from across Ontario and explore practical approaches to:

Job development and employer engagement

Inclusive employment and supporting job seekers who have a disability

Career pathways in growing sectors

AI and emerging tools in employment services

Building stronger partnerships across the sector

Come away with new ideas, practical knowledge and connections you can bring back to your work!

Don’t wait to register. Secure your spot at RDC26 today: https://ontariodisabilityemploymentnetwork15.wildapricot.org/event-6586351%20

In one week from today, Canada will light up purple and blue for disability inclusive employment! On October 15, Light I...
10/08/2026

In one week from today, Canada will light up purple and blue for disability inclusive employment!

On October 15, Light It Up! For NDEAM™ will bring communities together across the country to recognize National Disability Employment Awareness Month and there’s still time to participate.

You don’t need a large building or landmark to join in.

Light up your storefront, office, or front window with purple and blue string lights. Encourage your team to wear purple and blue to work. Bring the colours to a staff meeting or workplace event and invite other businesses and organizations in your community to participate alongside you.

However you choose to take part, we encourage you to use the day to start a conversation about disability inclusion in employment!

Learn more: https://www.odenetwork.com/initiatives/annual-light-it-up-for-ndeam/



[Image Description]

Text reading: “Only One Week Until Light It Up! For NDEAM.” Below is the date, Thursday, October 15, 2026, followed by the ODEN, CASE, MentorAbility Canada and Jobs Ability Canada logos.

We’re proud to welcome the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) back as the Registration Sponsor of the Rethinking Disabil...
10/07/2026

We’re proud to welcome the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) back as the Registration Sponsor of the Rethinking Disabilities Conference 2026 (RDC26): Collaborate to Innovate!

The CNE has been a long-time collaborator of ODEN and an employer committed to putting disability inclusion into practice. Since 2017, the CNE and ODEN have worked together to strengthen inclusive hiring, connect with Employment Service Providers, and create employment opportunities for people who have a disability.

Thank you to the CNE for continuing to support ODEN, RDC26, and disability inclusive employment!

Join us November 2–4, 2026. Registration is open: https://ontariodisabilityemploymentnetwork15.wildapricot.org/event-6586351%20



[Image Description]

Purple RDC26 sponsor graphic. The RDC26 Rethinking Disability Conference logo appears at the top, followed by a blue banner reading “Registration Sponsor.” The colourful CNE logo is featured in the center. Along the bottom are the ODEN logo, the Sheraton Parkway Toronto North location in Richmond Hill, Ontario, and the conference dates, November 2–4.

What does it take to build stronger pathways from campus to career? We’re pleased to welcome Michelle Willson, Evaluatio...
10/07/2026

What does it take to build stronger pathways from campus to career?

We’re pleased to welcome Michelle Willson, Evaluation Specialist at the Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work (CCRW), to the Rethinking Disability Conference 2026 (RDC26): Collaborate to Innovate.

In her session, From Campus to Career: Collaborating Across Sectors to Foster Inclusive Talent Pipelines, Michelle will explore how collaboration across sectors can help strengthen the transition from education to employment and create more inclusive talent pipelines.

Join Michelle and many professionals from across Ontario to exchange ideas, learn from one another, and explore approaches you can bring back to your work!

Secure your spot and join us at RDC26: https://ontariodisabilityemploymentnetwork15.wildapricot.org/event-6586351%20



[Image Description]

A graphic with a purple background. On the left is a headshot of Michelle Willson, a woman with long brown hair wearing a black top and necklace, smiling at the camera. On the right, she is identified as Evaluation Specialist, CCRW, above her session title, “From Campus to Career: Collaborating Across Sectors to Foster Inclusive Talent Pipelines.” A “Register Today!” banner appears at the top centre. The RDC26 logo is at the top left, the ODEN logo at the bottom left, and the conference theme, “Collaborate to Innovate,” appears across the bottom.

Employers are looking for skills. But are they looking in the right places? According to the World Economic Forum’s Futu...
10/06/2026

Employers are looking for skills. But are they looking in the right places?

According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, 63% of employers identify skills gaps as the biggest barrier to business transformation between 2025 and 2030.

Addressing that challenge isn’t only about developing new skills or competing for the same candidates. It can also mean taking a closer look at how talent is identified.

Who gets screened in? Which qualifications are truly necessary? Who gets the opportunity to demonstrate what they can do?

People who have a disability bring skills, experience, and perspectives to workplaces across every sector. Disability inclusive hiring can help employers connect with qualified candidates who may otherwise be missed by traditional recruitment practices.

As you plan for your organization’s future workforce, consider:

Are your hiring practices expanding your talent pool or narrowing it?



[Image Description]

Large downward arrow and bar chart icon. Text reads: “63% of employers identify skills gaps as the biggest barrier to business transformation between 2025 and 2030.” Source: World Economic Forum, Future of Jobs Report 2025.

Communities across Ontario are recognizing National Disability Employment Awareness Month! This October, we’re proud to ...
10/06/2026

Communities across Ontario are recognizing National Disability Employment Awareness Month!

This October, we’re proud to celebrate municipalities that have officially proclaimed October as NDEAM, helping bring greater awareness to disability inclusion in employment in communities across the province.

Thank you to:

➡️ Ajax
➡️ Amherstburg
➡️ Aurora
➡️ Brampton
➡️ County of Brant
➡️ Essex
➡️ Niagara Falls
➡️ North Bay
➡️ Midland
➡️ Kingston
➡️ Orangeville
➡️ Pickering
➡️ Quinte West
➡️ St. Thomas
➡️ Toronto
➡️ Vaughan
➡️ Whitby

As we continue through NDEAM 2026, we encourage more municipalities across Ontario and Canada to recognize the month and help amplify the message:

“Skills Grow Economies. Disability Inclusion Fuels the Growth.”

Has your municipality proclaimed October as NDEAM? Send your proclamation to [email protected], so we can celebrate your community too!



[Image Description]

Black graphic with a light blue map of Ontario and orange location markers. Text reads: “Ontario Communities Are Recognizing NDEAM.” Municipalities listed include Ajax, Amherstburg, Aurora, Brampton, County of Brant, Essex, Niagara Falls, North Bay, Midland, Kingston, Orangeville, Pickering, Quinte West, St. Thomas, Toronto, Vaughan, and Whitby.

There’s still time to register for Supporting Disclosure, Building Confidence: Creating Inclusive Workplaces Through Acc...
10/05/2026

There’s still time to register for Supporting Disclosure, Building Confidence: Creating Inclusive Workplaces Through Accommodation!

For managers and HR teams, knowing how to navigate disability disclosure and accommodation can make all the difference in building trust and retaining a valuable employee.

Join ODEN and Jenny Hope, Director of Development and Capacity Building, for a practical NDEAM session focused on the conversations and processes employers need to know about disability disclosure and accommodation.

Your organization already invests in its people. Build the disability confidence to support them throughout their careers.

Details: October 8th, 2026 at 1:00PM ET, Online

Register Today: https://ontariodisabilityemploymentnetwork15.wildapricot.org/event-6824855



[Image Description]

A purple graphic for ODEN’s webinar, “Supporting Disclosure, Building Confidence: Creating Inclusive Workplaces Through Accommodation.” A black-and-white photo shows three colleagues seated closely together in a modern office. A woman on the left and a man in the centre hold and review a document while a woman on the right looks on. All three are smiling and engaged in conversation, suggesting a collaborative workplace discussion. Event details: October 8, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. ET, online. The ODEN logo appears at the top and “Register Today” at the bottom.

City of Brampton – Your Local Government Clock Tower is lighting up for NDEAM! On October 15th, landmarks across Canada...
10/01/2026

City of Brampton – Your Local Government Clock Tower is lighting up for NDEAM!

On October 15th, landmarks across Canada will shine purple and blue for Light It Up! For National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). There is no other event like this that celebrates the contributions of people who have a disability and raises awareness about the importance of disability inclusive employment.

Do you want your community to light up too? It’s easy to get involved:

1. Submit your lighting request to a local landmark, municipal building, or business.
2. Once your location is confirmed, submit your location here: Light It Up! for NDEAM - Location Submission Form 2026 – Fill out form
3. On October 15th, make sure to take a picture of the landmark and post to your socials with the hashtags:

Together, we can light the night for inclusion!

Image Description: A dark blue background with a purple polka-dot pattern. There is white text that reads: Light It Up! For NDEAM on Thursday, October 15th, 2026. There is also a circle image of Brampton City Hall Clock Tower in the top right corner, with text that reads: Brampton, Ontario. At the bottom center, there are 4 white logos representing the following organizations: Ontario Disability Employment Network, Canadian Association of Support Employment, Mentor Ability and Jobs Ability Canada.

10/01/2026

Today marks the start of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) 2026!

Each October, NDEAM is an opportunity to recognize the contributions of people who have a disability and bring greater attention to disability inclusion in employment across Canada.

This year's theme is: Skills Grow Economies. Disability Inclusion Fuels the Growth.

Throughout the month, we're putting the focus on skills — how employers recognize them, where they look for them, and how disability inclusion can help expand access to talent.

For businesses, Employment Service Providers, and communities across Canada, NDEAM is an opportunity to start conversations, challenge assumptions about disability, and take action toward more disability inclusive workplaces.

Here's how you can take part:

➡️ Share NDEAM messages and resources with your workplace and network
➡️ Explore ODEN's new NDEAM 2026 tools and resources
➡️ Join us for events and conversations throughout October
➡️ Light your building or wear purple and blue on October 15 for Light It Up! For NDEAM™

Access the NDEAM PR Toolkit for resources, templates, and ideas to help you celebrate and share your commitment to disability inclusion all month long: https://www.odenetwork.com/ndeam-2026-pr-tool-kit/



Image Description: A graphic with a purple background with blue text at top that reads: Engage Talent 2026. Below, there is white text that reads: Skills Grow Economies. Below that text, is light blue rectangle with white text that reads: Disability Inclusion Fuels the Growth. At the bottom, is the ODEN logo in white and the Government of Ontario’s logo. The Ontario Disability Employment Network (ODEN) Working Together to Advance Disability Inclusive Employment Across Ontario project is funded by the Government of Ontario.

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