Past Event! Note: this event has already taken place.
Date: Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Time: 12 – 1 p.m. EST
Language of delivery: English
Platform: Zoom
Accessibility: ASL interpretation and bilingual captioning will be provided. Additional accommodations available as requested.
About
One in four Canadians identifies as having a visible or a non-visible disability. This CAN Connect Forum focuses on supporting individuals with non-visible disabilities in the workforce and addressing related employment challenges. Non-visible disabilities often go unrecognized and unsupported in many workplaces. At this forum, you’ll learn about community supports, inclusive recruitment practices, and gain a deeper understanding of non-visible disabilities. You’ll hear success stories that highlight effective strategies and receive policy recommendations to improve your organization’s inclusivity.
Join us to discover how you can create a more supportive and understanding work environment for everyone, ensuring all employees feel valued and included.
Speakers
Moderator
- Bianca Go: Bianca is a certified Project Manager Practitioner (PMP) working as Manager of Accessibility at the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation. As a sister to a neurodivergent sibling, Bianca continues to expand her knowledge and understanding of accessibility and inclusion, with a personal interest in the employment of the neurodivergent community. She is excited to be moderating a panel on the topic.
Panelists
Fineen Davis: Fineen is the National Training Coordinator for the Indigenous Skills and Employment Training (ISET) program at the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples, working one-on-one with clients to meet their skills training and employment goals. Drawing from her experience living with a disability, Fineen provides tailored supports to assist her clients along their employment journey.
Laura-Lee Balkwill: Laura-Lee is a federal public servant with a deep background in equity, diversity and inclusion as well as research, policy analysis, strategies and performance metrics. As a person with two invisible and very poorly understood disabilities, Laura-Lee volunteers as a member of the Federal Speakers Forum on Lived Experience to speak about the biases and barriers she has encountered and offer tips for providing a more supportive and inclusive work environment.
Sarah Szumlanski (she/her/elle): Sarah is the Student Leader of the Network of Persons with a Disability at the Parole Board of Canada. As a recent Carleton University graduate with a minor in Disability Studies, Sarah has worked with student groups, disability NPOs, researchers, and provincial, national, and international government officials on topics of accessibility and disability awareness. Sarah lives with multiple invisible disabilities.