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

THE LATEST

DEAM Events

All are welcome to join the upcoming DEAM activities! As well as participating, hosting your own DEAM event is just one of the many ways to show your support. Getting involved is what matters most. This year, Gateway Association is pleased to host several events and happenings across the province.

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

Inclusion Perks YEG

October 21 , 2025

9:30 – 11:30am

Inclusion Perks YEG returns on October 21st at Felice Cafe, offering a welcoming space to connect over coffee while celebrating Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM). Blending casual café vibes with meaningful dialogue, this event brings together employers, service providers, and people with lived experience to share stories and spark ideas for inclusive workplaces. With interactive facilitation cards guiding conversations, attendees will leave with fresh perspectives, practical takeaways, and renewed inspiration to make inclusion happen in their own communities.

Register to attend HERE

Cheers to Inclusion Calgary

Tuesday October 29, 2024

3:00 – 6:00 pm

Establishment Brewing

For employers at any point in their inclusion journey, service providers who, self-advocates and community members who want to connect about creating more accessible and inclusive workforces and communities for people experiencing disability!

Register to attend 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.

DIGITAL COMMUNITY

Our Gateway to Digital Inclusion mobile app is designed for job seekers, self-advocates and families. Access our free resources by downloading the app.

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