The United Way is partnering with Life Directions and the Ontario Disability Employment Network to bring you Disability Awareness and Confidence Training.

Why attend? Build the knowledge and confidence to create a more inclusive workplace. This practical training helps dispel myths about disability, strengthens inclusive hiring practices, and equips your team to welcome and support employees with disabilities

Why attend? Inclusive workplaces are stronger workplaces. Learn practical strategies to recruit, onboard, and retain talented employees with disabilities while building a culture where everyone can thrive.

This training session will be delivered by Disability Employment Inclusion Specialist Jennifer Hope.

They will teach your teams why employing people who have a disability is valuable for any business regardless of size.

What to expect in the facilitated DACT session:

• Explain the benefits of inclusive hiring practices
• Dispel common misconceptions and myths about people who have a disability
• Prepare your teams to confidently on-board new employees who have a disability
• Provide an opportunity for you to ask any question in a safe, supportive setting

While the afternoon and evening sessions are tailored to different audiences, the core learning is the same. Both will build disability awareness and confidence, challenge common assumptions, and explore how we can remove barriers and create more inclusive workplaces, organizations, and communities. The examples and conversations will shift depending on who is in the room, with the afternoon leaning more toward employment and workplace practice and the evening toward boards, governance, and community leadership.

Choose the session that best fits your schedule and role, or come to both for the opportunity to explore the ideas through two different lenses.

Registration below

September 23rd – 1:30-4:00 pm

Lower Hall – Harmony Centre Owen Sound – 890 4th Ave East – entrance is off 9th street

Workplace & Employment: Disability Confidence in the Workplace

Designed for employers, nonprofit staff, HR professionals, service providers, economic development partners, and others whose work involves hiring, employment, or workforce participation.

This session will focus on the practical and economic side of disability inclusion: understanding barriers to employment, challenging common assumptions, strengthening inclusive hiring and workplace practices, and building organizations that can better attract, support, and retain talent.

If disability, employment, workforce development, accessibility, or organizational practice touches your day job, this session is for you.

OR

September 23rd – 6:30-9:00 pm

Lower Hall – Harmony Centre Owen Sound – 890 4th Ave East – entrance is off 9th street

Boards & Community Leadership: Disability Confidence in Community Leadership

Designed for board members, volunteers, committee members, and community leaders whose professional schedules may make daytime training difficult.

This session will explore disability inclusion through a governance and leadership lens: how boards and community leaders shape organizational culture, set priorities, influence policy, and help ensure the organizations they serve reflect the communities around them.

You do not need to be an HR expert or accessibility specialist. If you sit at a board table, volunteer in a leadership role, or help make decisions in your community, this conversation is for you.

Session is free to attendees, but donations are being accepted to cover coffee and snack costs.