Breaking barriers and building opportunities at the Durham Region Disability Employment Conference

The Region of Durham Disability Employment Conference brings together employers, community organizations, educators and accessibility advocates to explore strategies for building more inclusive workplaces. On October 16, more than 200 attendees, including exhibitors and employers from across Durham Region, gathered to discuss best practices and identify ways to break down barriers to inclusive hiring.

Through presentations, discussions and stories shared by people with lived experience, participants gained valuable insights into creating more accessible and equitable workplaces.

A highlight of the event was hearing from keynote speaker Dr. Mahadeo Sukhai, the world’s first congenitally blind geneticist and nationally recognized leader advancing equitable employment across Canada.  Attendees left feeling inspired, informed and motivated to take action to improve hiring practices and expand employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

“Creating pathways to meaningful employment strengthens our economy, reduces barriers to participation, and helps build a more inclusive community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive,” says Patricia Hines, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager for Durham Region. “Disability employment is not simply about filling jobs. It is about recognizing talent, removing barriers and ensuring that all residents can contribute their skills and achieve their potential.”

Building an inclusive workplace starts with recognizing that accessibility benefits everyone, that disability inclusion is everyone's responsibility, and should be embedded throughout the employee experience.

This sentiment was shared during the panel discussion where attendees heard from moderator, Kellina Powell and panelists Mark Wafer, business leader and disability employment advocate; Wynnikka Matthews, community programs coordinator at ASE Community Foundation for Black Canadians with Disabilities and Founder of Wyn Inspires; and Radha MacCulloch, CEO of Specialisterne Canada.

Each panelist drew on their lived experience and shared insights on the value that people with disabilities bring to the workplace, the challenges and misconceptions that exist in current hiring practices and the importance of driving meaningful change.

The panel highlighted how disability inclusion strengthens workplaces by sharing their diverse perspectives, skills and experiences.

Participants also had the opportunity throughout the day to meet with vendors who are advocates in accessibility and fostering change in the workplace. 

As the conference came to a close, attendees left feeling inspired with new perspectives and a renewed commitment to creating accessible and inclusive workplaces. The conversations, connections and insights made throughout the day solidified the ongoing commitment to creating meaningful change in workplaces.