DEAM

Disability Employment Awareness Month

DEAM (Disability Employment Awareness Month) brings into focus our need for equitable workplaces and spaces for people experiencing disability. Recognized both provincially and nationally, DEAM is an October-long opportunity to get involved in creating a fair and safe working environment for everyone living with a disability. Take part in DEAM’s many events and happenings to show your support, spread awareness, and drive meaningful action in our communities.

2025 DEAM Events

2026 DEAM Events

2026 DEAM events coming soon. Check back in September.

PAST DEAM Events

Every October, Gateway Association joins communities across Alberta to mark Disability Employment Awareness Month. From employer panels to community gatherings, DEAM is a time to celebrate progress, share stories, and keep the conversation going. We will share details about 2026 events as they become available. In the meantime, explore what past years have looked like below.

DEAM Virtual Kickoff

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

12 – 1 pm

Virtual

Start DEAM off right with a virtual event for all Albertans! Join Alberta Employment First Network, Gateway Association & MentorAbility with an online kick-off.

During the kick off, there will be 2 speakers who have worked with MentorAbility, a proclamation from Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek and an opportunity to review all other DEAM events happening across Alberta during the month of October. See you online!

Register HERE

DEAM IDEA Conference

And Networking Event

Thursday, October 2 (Networking)

Friday, October 3 (Conference)

Telus Convention Centre

Calgary, AB

9:00am – 5:0pm

DEAM IDEA Conference

This year’s DEAM IDEA Conference, hosted by the Alberta Employment First Network (AEFN), returns for its fourth annual gathering in celebration of Disability Employment Awareness Month on October 3rd at the Telus Convention Centre in Calgary.

Centered around the theme “Authenticity in Action,” the conference will equip attendees with practical tools and strategies to support inclusive, equitable, and sustainable employment for people with disabilities across all industries. Participants will gain actionable insights to apply in their own workplaces and communities—moving beyond awareness to real change.

Kicking off the celebration is a pre-conference networking event on October 2nd from 5:00–8:00 PM, featuring exhibitors, interactive activities, storytelling, prizes, and snacks — a perfect opportunity to connect with fellow champions of inclusion across Alberta.

Register to join us HERE

Inclusion Perks YYC

ft ASL Instruction by Deaf & Hear Alberta

October 2nd, 2025

Work Nicer Rail Yards

10am – 11:30am

Inclusion Perks YYC is a lively morning meetup hosted at Work Nicer Rail Yards as part of Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) 2025. This event blends community connection with hands-on learning, featuring ASL instruction from Deaf & Hear Alberta, conversations with employers, job seekers, and service providers about inclusive workplaces, and a spotlight on DEAM initiatives across Alberta. With coffee in hand, participants will gain practical takeaways, new perspectives, and even a few sign language phrases to bring back to their workplaces and communities—all while celebrating inclusion and accessibility.

Register to join us HERE

For more events happening across the province, visit AEFN.ca

Committed to disability awareness and employment opportunities for individuals and employers.

#DEAMPROCLAIM

How It Started

October was formally proclaimed “Disability Employment Awareness Month” by the Government of Alberta, thanks to the caring efforts of many service providers, including Gateway Association. Albertans all agree: we want every citizen to have inclusive and equitable employment, and through a partnership with the Government of Alberta, DEAM continues to make it a priority.

October is an opportunity to spread the important message that a strong workforce includes the skills and talents of people experiencing disability. Businesses and employers who believe that diversity only makes us stronger are encouraged to hold their own awareness events throughout the month and to join others who are supporting and promoting inclusion.

Contact Us

Edmonton
201- 10941 120 Street NW
Edmonton, AB T5H 3R3
Tel: 780-454-0701

Calgary
1206 20 Ave SE
Calgary, AB T2G 1M8
Tel: 587-779-7888

General enquiries: info@gatewayassociation.ca