More than 200 attendees, including employers, exhibitors, community organizations, educators and accessibility advocates from across Durham Region, gathered on October 16 for the Durham Region Disability Employment Conference, according to a Region of Durham news release.
The event focused on strategies for building more inclusive workplaces, with participants discussing best practices and identifying ways to break down barriers to inclusive hiring through presentations, discussions and stories shared by people with lived experience.
Keynote from a nationally recognized leader
A highlight of the conference was a keynote address from Dr. Mahadeo Sukhai, described by the Region as the world's first congenitally blind geneticist and a nationally recognized leader in advancing equitable employment across Canada.
Patricia Hines, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager for Durham Region, said the conference underlined why disability employment matters to the local economy and community.
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. 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.
Hines's comments were included in the Region of Durham news release.
Panel discusses challenges in hiring
Attendees also heard from a panel discussion moderated by Kellina Powell. Panelists included Mark Wafer, a 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 to speak about the value 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 Region said.
The panel highlighted how disability inclusion strengthens workplaces through the diverse perspectives, skills and experiences employees with disabilities contribute.
An ongoing commitment, not a one-time initiative
Throughout the day, participants also had the chance to meet with vendors who advocate for accessibility and fostering change in the workplace.
Organizers emphasized that inclusion is not a one-time initiative but an ongoing commitment to fostering workplaces where everyone feels valued, respected and empowered to succeed — a message that resonates for employers across Ajax and Durham Region as they look to expand hiring practices.
The Region's accessibility message on the conference was clear: building an inclusive workplace starts with recognizing that accessibility benefits everyone, that disability inclusion is everyone's responsibility, and that it should be embedded throughout the employee experience.
