Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM)
ABOUT DEAM
Taking place each October, Disability Employment Awareness Month, or DEAM, is a campaign that promotes inclusion within the job market for people with disabilities. The idea is to raise awareness of the challenges they face in gaining employment, and celebrating the impact and contribution made by workers with disabilities who have been given a chance.
At PDC we are committed to this campaign. We have run visible, impactful programs for the last few years, encouraging businesses who employ workers with disabilities and supporting those looking for employment opportunities. Our varied programs are fun and effective, and DEAM is a month where we can really see the results of our ongoing commitment to disabled workers.
DEAM 2024
Throughout October, we’re celebrating the skills, talents, and contributions of workers with disabilities across all industries. Join us as we highlight the importance of creating inclusive environments where everyone has the chance to succeed. Whether you’re an employer, a job seeker, or an advocate, there’s something for everyone this month. Let’s commit to making inclusion a cornerstone of every workplace!
2024 Idea Conference
Get ready to celebrate Disability Employment Awareness Month with the third annual DEAM IDEA Conference!
This year’s conference, hosted by the Alberta Employment First Network, will delve into disability intersectionality within diversity and equity, providing attendees with valuable insights and tools from industry leaders with lived experience. Whether you’re in HR, a business leader, a service provider, or a self-advocate, this is an event you won’t want to miss. Let’s build a brighter, more inclusive future together!
DEAM 2024 EVENTS
DEAM 2024 Kick Off Event
October 1, 2024
Join us to celebrate Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at Edmonton City Hall!
We’re thrilled to kick off this year’s DEAM with testimonials from self-advocates and employers, networking opportunities, and light snacks!
Following the program, stick around for a FREE Workshop on Inclusive Hiring Practices/Inclusive Job Postings at 11:30 am, hosted by GEDI Hub! Learn strategies to build a more inclusive and equitable hiring process.
IDEA Conference
October 4, 2024
Join us in Red Deer, Alberta, on October 4th, 2024, for a day of learning, inspiration, and actionable steps toward more inclusive and equitable employment practices. Attendees will gain insight from industry leaders with lived experience and will be provided with tangible tools that they can implement within their workplaces.
Goodwill Speaker Series
October 1, 2024 + October 8, 2024
One Stage, Many Perspectives. Join us on October 1, for the Goodwill DEAM Speaker Series from 2:00pm-5:00pm at the Arts Barns Westbury Theatre in Edmonton
PLUS, we are continuing the Speaker Series in Calgary on October 8 from 2:00pm-5:00pm at The Brownstone.
DREAM BIG 2024 Annual Gala Fundraiser (Edmonton)
October 9, 2024
Imagine a world where creativity knows no bounds, and everyone, regardless of their abilities, can express themselves freely. Join us on October 9th for an inspiring morning as we celebrate artistic expression in all its forms!
Hear from Chrysalis artists, community and business partners, and advocates as we explore the beauty of embracing differences, celebrating unique strengths, and welcoming diverse perspectives.
Learn More
Light It Up! For NDEAM
October 17, 2024
Join us on Thursday, October 17, for the 5th Anniversary event, a coast-to-coast celebration illuminating the nation in purple and blue to spotlight disability-inclusive employment. What started in Ontario has now spread across Canada, igniting conversations about inclusion in the workplace, in business, and in our communities.
Last year, nearly 700 locations across 150 communities participated. Let’s make this year even bigger!
Learn More
Gateway Presents: Inclusion Perks YYC
October 17, 2024
You’re Invited to Inclusion Perks YYC!
Whether you’re an employer, a service provider, or a job seeker, Inclusion Perks is all about bringing people together for meaningful discussions and driving action in making our workplaces more inclusive and supportive. Expect interactive facilitation cards at each table to help spark great conversations and encourage sharing fresh ideas.
Learn More
Gateway Presents: Inclusion Perks YEG
October 22, 2024
You’re Invited to Inclusion Perks YEG! ☕
Looking to make your workplace more inclusive but not sure where to start? It can all begin with a simple conversation! Inclusion Perks YEG offers a relaxed space to connect with employers, service providers, and folks with lived experience.
Learn More
LIMITLESS: The Disabled World by Lionel Migrino
October 25, 2024
Join us at cSPACE Marda Loop for an inspiring event that celebrates the diversity, talents, and resilience of the disabled community.
LIMITLESS: The Disabled World by Lionel Migrino is all about showcasing the achievements, creativity, and stories of individuals with disabilities. From powerful art exhibitions to engaging panel discussions, this event provides a platform for disabled voices to be heard and celebrated.
Get Your Tickets
Cheers to Inclusion YYC
October 29, 2024
Cheers to Inclusion is a MentorAbility DEAM initiative that originated in Halifax as a way for businesses, employers, and service providers to casually gather, connect about inclusion practices in the workplace and show their support for DEAM. And because the craft brewing industry has notoriously been a very inclusive community, it made sense to start these events in an inclusive space within the industry!
Gateway Association and MentorAbility Alberta are pleased to collaborate and join forces with Establishment Brewing, a member of Hop Forward Society, to give you the 2024 DEAM Cheers to Inclusion event in Calgary!
Reserve Your Spot
DEAM PARTNERS
DEAM Resources
This report includes information about the DEAM IDEA Conference, along with an overview of other DEAM events that AEFN supported through grants.
Disability Employment Awareness Month – Calgary Employment First Network
The CEFN is proud to celebrate Disability Employment Awareness Month every October. It is important to us to recognize and celebrate the outstanding inclusive employers and diverse employees that we work with.
PAST DEAM MONTHS
DEAM Archive
DEAM 2020
DEAM 2019
DEAM 2018
What is a Cash Mob?
Cash Mob = People who assemble at a local business to spend money and make purchases in support of that business and community.
Why do it?
The goal of this campaign is to reward forward-thinking businesses that value diversity and inclusion, and employ people with disabilities in meaningful, paid roles. We hope to inspire other employers to consider hiring inclusively.
How does it work?
It’s EASY! Show up at the selected employer cash mob location on the right date at the right time and spend some money! Your contribution (little or big) will help demonstrate our support towards inclusive hiring.
The selected business where the cash mob will be held is London Drugs, 11704 104 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5K 2T6, Canada
This is a great opportunity to come do some last minute Halloween shopping!
Hope to see you all there.
HOW IT STARTED
Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) is an annual awareness campaign that takes place each October. The purpose of DEAM is to promote employment inclusion for people with disabilities and celebrate the many and varied contributions of workers with disabilities. DEAM, is gaining traction in Canada with a growing number of provinces proclaiming October as Disability Employment Month. We want to spread the important message that a strong workforce is one inclusive of the skills and talents of all individuals, including people with disabilities. DEAM is an excellent opportunity for Employment Service Providers and Canadian Employers to demonstrate their ongoing commitment to Canadians with disabilities and to help promote employment inclusion in our country.
Last year we called on the Government of Alberta to issue a formal Provincial Proclamation of October as Disability Employment Awareness Month. We realized that in partnership with the Government of Alberta, inclusive employment becomes a priority. We’re proud to announce that through the efforts of CEFN (Calgary Employment First Network) and the PDC (Pan Disability Connection Edmonton), ACDS (Alberta Council of Disabilities Services), ADWA Alberta Disability Workers Association) and EmployUs that in 2018:
The Month of October will be Proclaimed DEAM! Celebrate With Us!
We want to spread the important message that a strong workforce is one inclusive of the skills and talents of everyone, including individuals with disabilities. We are holding a public celebration to support the Launch of DEAM.
Come join other Inclusive employers and service providers at the south band shell on the SE corner of the legislative grounds on Oct 1st from 11:30 – 1:30 pm
We will have food-trucks, entertainment and brief messages of support from:
- Irfan Sabir – Minister – Community and Social Services
- Jason Pincock – CEO –DynaLIFE
- Sean McEwen – Director – Calgary Alternative Support Services
- Heath Birkholz – Self Advocacy Federation of Alberta
- Carrie Rodgerson – Branch Manager, ATB Financial
DATS drop off and accessible parking are onsite. Paid Parking available at 96 Ave and 106 street). We are looking for a sea of red and white to show support! Consider dressing your team in our DEAM colors
Better yet! We have a limited number of #proclaimDEAM T-shirts available for purchase for the reasonable cost of $10. Contact us today!
For more information on DEAM events taking place around Alberta that you can participate in, please visit our Calgary Partner’s website: CEFN-Disability Employment Awareness Month
