Ontario Disability Employment Network (ODEN)

Ontario Disability Employment Network (ODEN) ODEN is a professional body of employment service providers united to increase employment opportunities for people who have a disability.

There's still time to register for ODEN's upcoming Business Lunch & Learn featuring Wilfrid Laurier University's Sapphir...
09/02/2026

There's still time to register for ODEN's upcoming Business Lunch & Learn featuring Wilfrid Laurier University's Sapphire Program!

If you're looking for new ways to strengthen your recruitment strategy and connect with emerging talent, this session is for you.

Learn how the Sapphire Program helps employers access pre-screened post-secondary students who have autism through supported, paid work-integrated learning placements. You'll also discover available employer supports and practical insights for creating successful employment experiences.

You don’t want to miss out on an opportunity to learn about an innovative recruitment model that benefits both your organization and the next generation of talent!

Date & Time: Sept 8th, 2026 at 12PM
Location: Online

Save your spot today: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/business-lunch-learn-connecting-talent-and-opportunity-tickets-1993336694713?aff=Facebook



Image Description: At the top half of the graphic with a black background, there is an image of two people working in an office. A woman with long brown hair wearing a brown collared shirt is teaching the new student a workplace process. The student has long black hair and is wearing grey collared shirt. Below the image, there is white text that reads: ODEN Lunch & Learn Series, Discover the Sapphire Program: Connecting Talent with Opportunity, September 8, 2026 at 12:00 PM Online. Below this text, is a gradient light blue and purple rectangle with black text that reads: Register Today.

NDEAM 2026 is just one month away. Are you ready to get involved? Join ODEN tomorrow, September 1 at 1:00 p.m. ET for Ge...
08/31/2026

NDEAM 2026 is just one month away. Are you ready to get involved?

Join ODEN tomorrow, September 1 at 1:00 p.m. ET for Get Involved with NDEAM 2026!

Whether you’re an employer, Employment Service Provider, or community leader, this session will help you prepare for October.

Get to know this year’s theme, “Skills Grow Economies. Disability Inclusion Fuels the Growth,” explore campaign resources and events, and learn practical ways to engage your workplace, network, or community.

There’s still time to register and be part of NDEAM 2026!

Register: https://ontariodisabilityemploymentnetwork15.wildapricot.org/event-6799524



[Image Description]

A graphic for ODEN’s “Get Involved: NDEAM 2026” information session. White text on a purple background lists the event details: September 1, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. ET, online. A black-and-white photo shows a diverse group of people interacting and preparing for a community campaign. The ODEN logo appears at the top, with a blue “Register Today” banner at the bottom.

The CN Tower is lighting up for NDEAM! On October 15th, landmarks across Canada will shine purple and blue for Light It...
08/27/2026

The CN Tower is lighting up for NDEAM!

On October 15th, landmarks across Canada will shine purple and blue for Light It Up! For National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). There is no other event like this that celebrates the contributions of people who have a disability and raises awareness about the importance of disability inclusive employment.

Do you want your community light up too? It’s easy to get involved:

Submit your lighting request to a local landmark, municipal building, or business.

Once your location is confirmed, submit your location here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=HSFjSfuD_Ey0tPMyQCw09tWYiZJbCqZNur9ppbtdww9UMU5SV1NGOVZURkhNWU1PUUhRNU83S0Y2MS4u

On October 15th, make sure to take a picture of the landmark and post to your socials with the hashtags:

Together, we can light the night for inclusion!

Image Description: A dark blue background with purple polka-dot pattern. There is white text that reads: Light It Up! For NDEAM on Thursday, October 15th, 2026. There is also a circle image of CN Tower in the top right corner, with text that reads: Toronto, Ontario. At the bottom centre, there is 4 white logos representing the following organizations: Ontario Disability Employment Network, Canadian Association of Support Employment, Mentor Ability and Jobs Ability Canada.

Attitudes towards disability begin forming in childhood. Sounds kind of obvious, but how often do we think about that?Ep...
08/26/2026

Attitudes towards disability begin forming in childhood. Sounds kind of obvious, but how often do we think about that?

Episode 46 is now live, and will get you thinking about it!

One of the ways to instill positive disability awareness and acceptance of difference in kids is through fostering a love of reading…through storytelling and children’s literature that’s inclusive.

Paul McAllister has lived experience being one those kids who was different. He grew up to become the founder and publisher behind Monster House Publishing in Fredericton, New Brunswick.

Don’t miss this conversation! Paul shares his story and perspective on why getting kids to become disability aware is so monstrously important for all of us.






–Download the episode from Podbean: https://rebrand.ly/4gl74jl
–Listen on Podbean: https://rebrand.ly/1i1727o
—Download, listen and share on our website: https://rebrand.ly/1iucbsi
–Episode transcript: https://rebrand.ly/4f257of

You can also find You Can’t Spell Inclusion Without a D on these podcast distribution apps:

­–Apple Podcasts
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/you-cant-spell-inclusion-without-a-d/id1672625906

­–Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/show/7wCOmyu4Kdt7M3zrAS26Og

–Amazon Music/Audible
https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/6d75df5a-24fd-41d1-8b8c-ab8e1841a3c3

[Image Description]

A gradient dark purple and dark blue square graphic promoting Episode 46 of You Can’t Spell Inclusion Without a D. There’s an orange band across the top. Heavy black text in the band reads, Episode 46. Below the band at the left is the show artwork for the You Can’t Spell Inclusion Without a D podcast in a square box outlined white. To the right, large white text against the gradient purple and blue background reads, Instilling Disability Awareness Early in Childhood. Below the podcast artwork and episode title text there’s a photo in splash frame of a bearded man with glasses sitting on a condominium balcony with one arm resting on the railing. He’s smiling at the camera. There’s a wooded hill and a river in the background.Text under the photo identifies the man as Paul McAllister. At the left below the photo, large white text reads, New episode live! Smaller white text at the right reads, Tune in on Podbean or wherever you find your favourite podcasts. In white space along the bottom of the graphic there’s a Government of Ontario logo and small black text that reads, You Can’t Spell Inclusion Without a D is funded in part by the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.

What could your workplace or community do r to recognize National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October? Nati...
08/24/2026

What could your workplace or community do r to recognize National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October?

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is an opportunity to bring employers, Employment Service Providers, and communities together to recognize the skills and contributions of people who have a disability and advance disability inclusive employment.

This year, we’re putting the business case at the center of the conversation with Skills Grow Economies. Disability Inclusion Fuels the Growth.

Want to be part of it?

Join us on September 1 at 1:00 p.m. ET for Get Involved with NDEAM 2026!

Learn what’s planned for October, explore this year’s campaign resources and events, and leave with practical ways to bring NDEAM into your workplace, organization, and community.

Register: https://ontariodisabilityemploymentnetwork15.wildapricot.org/event-6799524



[Image Description]

A graphic for ODEN’s “Get Involved: NDEAM 2026” information session. White text on a purple background lists the event details: September 1, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. ET, online. A black-and-white photo shows a diverse group of people interacting and preparing for a community campaign. The ODEN logo appears at the top, with a blue “Register Today” banner at the bottom.

Finding skilled talent takes more than posting a job. More employers are looking to work-integrated learning to build fu...
08/20/2026

Finding skilled talent takes more than posting a job.

More employers are looking to work-integrated learning to build future talent pipelines and connect with emerging professionals before they graduate.

Join ODEN's next Business Lunch & Learn to learn how Wilfrid Laurier University's Sapphire Program is helping employers do exactly that. Through supported, paid work placements, the program connects organizations with talented post-secondary students who have autism while providing guidance and resources to support successful employment experiences.

During this session, you'll discover how to access pre-screened student candidates, available employer supports, and practical insights for building a successful partnership with the Sapphire Program.

If you're exploring new recruitment strategies or looking to expand your organization's talent pipeline, this session offers a practical opportunity to connect with the workforce of tomorrow!

Register Today: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/business-lunch-learn-connecting-talent-and-opportunity-tickets-1993336694713?aff=Facebook



[Image Description]

A graphic with black background and white text at the top left corner that reads: ODEN Lunch & Learn Series, Discover the Sapphire Program: Connecting Talent with Opportunity, Sept 8, 2026 at 12:00 PM to 1:00PM, Online. Below this text, there are two gradient light blue and purple rectangles with circular images of the two speakers. The first circle is an image of a woman wearing a black long sleeve and long blond hair smiling straight ahead. Beside this image is black text that reads: Jennifer Ridley, Disability Employment Specialist. The second circle is an image of a woman wearing a black collared shirt and short brown hair smiling straight ahead. Beside this image is black text that reads: Laura Allen, Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Wilfred Laurier University. At the bottom centre of the graphic is white text that reads: Register Today.

Stay tuned for Episode 46, coming next Tuesday! Attitudes towards disability begin forming in childhood. Sounds kind of ...
08/19/2026

Stay tuned for Episode 46, coming next Tuesday!

Attitudes towards disability begin forming in childhood. Sounds kind of obvious, but how often do we think about that?

There are lots of educational and parental ways to instill positive disability awareness and acceptance of difference in kids.

One way is through fostering a love of reading…through storytelling and children’s literature that’s inclusive.

Paul McAllister has lived experience being one those kids who was different. He grew up to become the founder and publisher behind in Fredericton, New Brunswick.

Don’t miss this conversation! Paul shares his story and perspective on why getting kids to become disability aware is so monstrously important for all of us.






[Image Description]
A gradient dark purple and dark blue square graphic promoting Episode 46 of You Can’t Spell Inclusion Without a D. There’s an orange band across the top. Heavy black text in the band reads, Episode 46. Below the band at the left is the show artwork for the You Can’t Spell Inclusion Without a D podcast in a square box outlined white. To the right, large white text against the gradient purple and blue background reads, Instilling Disability Awareness Early in Childhood. Below the podcast artwork and episode title text there’s a photo in splash frame of a bearded man with glasses sitting on a condominium balcony with one arm resting on the railing. He’s smiling at the camera. There’s a wooded hill and a river in the background.Text under the photo identifies the man as Paul McAllister. At the left below the photo, there’s an orange band with black text that reads, Coming August 25 on Podbean. In white space along the bottom of the graphic there’s a Government of Ontario logo and small black text that reads, You Can’t Spell Inclusion Without a D is funded in part by the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.

NDEAM 2026 is coming. How will you bring the campaign to your workplace and community? Join us on September 1 at 1:00 p....
08/18/2026

NDEAM 2026 is coming. How will you bring the campaign to your workplace and community?

Join us on September 1 at 1:00 p.m. ET for the “Get Involved with NDEAM 2026” Webinar!

This year’s theme, Skills Grow Economies. Disability Inclusion Fuels the Growth., puts the skills and talent of people who have a disability at the center of the conversation and highlights disability inclusion as a strategy for stronger workplaces and economies.

Whether you’re an employer, Employment Service Provider, or community leader, this session will give you practical ways to get involved. Learn about the 2026 campaign, access resources to support your participation, explore ways to engage your workplace or community, and find out how to take part in Light It Up! For NDEAM™ on October 15.

October is an opportunity to start conversations, engage employers and communities, and recognize all the skills that contribute to Canada’s workforce!

Register: https://ontariodisabilityemploymentnetwork15.wildapricot.org/event-6799524



[Image Description]

A graphic for ODEN’s “Get Involved: NDEAM 2026” information session. White text on a purple background lists the event details: September 1, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. ET, online. A black-and-white photo shows a diverse group of people smiling and excited as they prepare for a community campaign. The ODEN logo appears at the top, with a blue “Register Today” banner at the bottom.

We’re proud to welcome Community Services Benefits Trust (CSBT) as a returning Platinum Sponsor of the Rethinking Disabi...
08/14/2026

We’re proud to welcome Community Services Benefits Trust (CSBT) as a returning Platinum Sponsor of the Rethinking Disabilities Conference 2026 (RDC26): Collaborate to Innovate!

For more than two decades, CSBT has provided employee benefit plans designed for organizations in the community services sector. Today, they support more than 2,000 organizations and over 50,000 employees and their families across Canada.

Their commitment to supporting community organizations makes CSBT a valued collaborator for RDC26 as we bring together Employment Service Providers, businesses, and sector leaders from across Ontario.

Thank you, CSBT, for supporting RDC26 and the people doing the work to advance disability inclusion in employment!

Sponsorships still available. (please link to the sponsorship PDF on the website) Secure your spot today!



[Image Description]

Promotional graphic for RDC26, Rethinking Disability Conference, on a purple geometric background. The RDC26 logo appears at the top above a blue banner reading “Platinum Sponsor.” The centre features the CSBT Community Services Benefits Trust logo with “Powered by GroupHEALTH.” Below is a “Register Now” call to action. Along the bottom are the ODEN logo, Address of the Sheraton Parkway Toronto North in Richmond Hill, and conference dates, November 2–4.

It’s live….be sure to catch our newest episode! In Episode 45, we’re marking the 30th anniversary of Project SEARCH with...
08/13/2026

It’s live….be sure to catch our newest episode!

In Episode 45, we’re marking the 30th anniversary of Project SEARCH with a conversation about this unique program.

It’s one that’s playing a significant role in helping businesses make sure they have up-and-coming talent to fill roles…while training high-school students who have a disability to succeed in the workplace.

It started in Cincinatti, in 1996 as a recruitment and retention strategy in the health care sector.

There now over 700 Project SEARCH sites worldwide including more than two dozen across Canada.

Tune in to Episode 45 (with guest Co-host Ingrid Muschta) and find out all about Project SEARCH, especially if you’re a business leader or owner!

Don’t miss this conversation with Carolyn Mcdougall from Holland Bloorview Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital in Toronto. She’s the Ontario and Canada Co-ordinator of Project SEARCH Canada.









–Download the episode from Podbean: https://rebrand.ly/hl51lzd
–Listen on Podbean: https://rebrand.ly/vhhw4o5
—Download, listen and share on our website: https://rebrand.ly/gqgrxdk
–Episode transcript: https://rebrand.ly/q7146nj

You can also find You Can’t Spell Inclusion Without a D on these podcast distribution apps:

­–Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/you-cant-spell-inclusion-without-a-d/id1672625906

­–Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7wCOmyu4Kdt7M3zrAS26Og

–Amazon Music/Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/6d75df5a-24fd-41d1-8b8c-ab8e1841a3c3

[Image Description]

A gradient dark purple and dark blue square graphic promoting Episode 45 of You Can’t Spell Inclusion Without a D. There’s an orange band across the top. Heavy black text in the band reads, Episode 45. Below the band at the left is the show artwork for the You Can’t Spell Inclusion Without a D podcast in a square box outlined white. To the right, large white text against the gradient purple and blue background reads, Bringing Project SEARCH to your Community. Below the podcast artwork and episode title text there’s a centered head-and-shoulders shot in a splash frame, of a woman with salt-and-pepper hair smiling at the camera. Her head is cocked to her left. Text under the photo identifies her as Carolyn Mcdougall. At the left below the photo, large white text reads, New episode live! Smaller white text at the right reads, Tune in on Podbean or wherever you find your favourite podcasts. In white space along the bottom of the graphic there’s a Government of Ontario logo and small black text that reads, You Can’t Spell Inclusion Without a D is funded in part by the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.

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