Alberta Employment First Network

Alberta Employment First Network https://linktr.ee/commsaefn

11/10/2025

When is a good time to disclose your disability? The answer will differ for every person, but in the latest living library video, Kavin shares that she discloses early on in order to request accommodations. ⤵️

Kavin worries that asking for accommodations might lead her to not landing a role. But an employer can do their best by valuing and understanding her while still recognizing her skills. Accommodations can also depend on the business, and may be short term. What accommodations can you offer?

Watch the full video here - https://youtu.be/UYEoZp36UL0?si=tkJKQXhkzGy75S3-

11/04/2025

🚨 Don’t Miss This! Disability in the Media 🚨

Ready to level up your storytelling? Join Katie McMillan, founder of , for a must-attend session on authentic representation in media. This isn’t just a conversation— it’s a wake-up call for anyone creating content, marketing, or shaping stories.

Learn how to spot outdated stereotypes and harmful tropes, why casting and language choices matter more than ever, and how to make your work truly inclusive and impactful.

💥 Whether you’re in media, communications, marketing, part of the disabled community, or just committed to doing better, this session is packed with insights you can’t afford to miss.

Seats are limited—reserve your spot now and be part of the movement to change how disability is represented in media!

🔗Link in bio

11/03/2025

Does every person with a disability use a service provider to find a job? Not always, but sometimes it works. ⤵️

James is currently working 2 part time jobs. He had never used a service provider to help him find a job, but once he was led to Gateway Association Alberta he found that they were very patient with him and cognizant of his diagnoses in order for him to find employment. "One of the great things about Gateway Association is that they have workshops and seminars and stuff, and they will do resumes for you and they have a professional come in that will do a mock interview with you, and that was very helpful in my journey."

Check out James' full story here - https://youtu.be/zToOrupPsSc?si=Y9QhEaD714NiFIi3

10/27/2025

Have you ever heard of the term "masking"? Masking can be a method used by neurodivergent folk to camouflage and blend in , in order to be more accepted by those around them. This can look like hyper vigilance, forcing themselves to mimic behaviours that their peers may feel more comfortable doing, and not being able to share all that they are. ⤵️

In our living library video series, we talk to Chantelle Robinson about her neurodivergence , and she shares how her invisible disability was first acknowledged - during a time where it was very uncommon. She is now in a place where she feels more comfortable being herself, asks for accommodations and works for an employer that is very supportive of her.

Check out Chantelle's full story here, it's a good one! https://youtu.be/Dcit2DJaanI?si=K10QkZQSm0RlkHja



Gateway Association

Wake Up to Inclusion — hosted by the (IPSESA) and the — reminded us what “Employment First” truly means: opportunity, ...
10/24/2025

Wake Up to Inclusion — hosted by the (IPSESA) and the — reminded us what “Employment First” truly means: opportunity, equity, and collaboration across all sectors.

The panel discussion dove deep into what inclusive hiring really looks like — breaking down employer fears, celebrating diversity as a driver of innovation, and sharing lived experiences that inspire action. 💬

Together, we explored how we can all help fix the bridge by supporting people early and often, and by creating systems built for inclusion — not exclusion.

🎤 Panelists included:

• Jay Brewster – Rogers Communications, Sr. Manager, DEIB Engagement & Programs

• Sue Crawford MN, RN, BN, BSc – UCalgary, Manager, Health Systems Transformative Initiative

• Michael MacLeod, PhD – Executive Director, IPSESA

• Louise Riley, CCDP – Employment Specialist & Education Facilitator, IPSESA

• Caitlyn Ungrin – UCalgary student, BCR & BA in Psychology

• Siobhan Zobatar – UCalgary & IPSESA GSS Graduate; employee at Safeway & Old Navy

As a proud funder of this impactful event, the Alberta Employment First Network (AEFN) celebrates IPSESA and all community partners leading the way toward inclusive, barrier-free workplaces across Alberta — where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

# DEAM2025

Every DEAM event takes over a different venue each year, and this afternoon, Spectrum Advantage held their event at the ...
10/24/2025

Every DEAM event takes over a different venue each year, and this afternoon, Spectrum Advantage held their event at the Halloween ready Elephant and Castle pub & restaurant in Calgary.

AEFN has been able to attend this event over the last 2 years and each time it's met with lively energy, employer awards, and great food. Spectrum Advatage played videos on the bar tv's for a different set up than last year's in person speakers. Attendees were able to network while sipping on a pint and employer awards wrapped up the event.

We were able to see a new employer in the room today that won the "Outstanding New Employer" award. Congratulations Calgary Co-op! It's wonderful to see employers teach and work with the Spectrum Advantage cohort of students who receive an opportunity to prepare for job readiness. Many of these students end up being hired on after the program!

Congratulations to all the employers who Autism Aspergers Friendship Society of Calgaryendship Society of Calgary who won the "Community Collaboration Excellence" award. Canadian Motorcycle Tourism Association won the "Inclusion and Diversity and Champion" award, Executive Mat Service won the "Commitment to Inclusion" award and lastly Insight Bookkeeping Solutions won the "Inclusive Opportunity" award.

Associationused

Gateway Association

Would you like to better understand disability-inclusive messaging and strengthen how you advocate for authentic represe...
10/22/2025

Would you like to better understand disability-inclusive messaging and strengthen how you advocate for authentic representation of disability?

Check out our "Disability in the Media" session with Kello Inclusive happening during the lunch hour on November 19th. See a sneak peak of what the session will cover in the graphics below ⬇

This session offers education on how disability is represented in the media and then provides you with strategies and tools to be implemented in your authentic representation of people with disabilities. The session is open to anyone but is especially important for anyone who would like to better represent disability whether it's through digital marketing or during a presentation. If you talk about disability on the daily, you should be there!

Register now - https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1568443168739?aff=oddtdtcreator

10/21/2025

It's time to share another story from the Living Library Project - a video series that showcases authentic testimonials from the pan-disability community on their employment experiences. ⤵️

Alex shares an important point about authentic accessibility -

"If it's a business where they can't accomodate in terms of elevators or such, then unfortunately I always say maybe this isn't the position for that individual even though they may be qualified. Just because I'm disabled doesn't mean that automatically I should have a job, I should be treated with the same dignity and respect as everybody else. And if I'm not going to be a good fit for whatever legitimate reason, then that's okay."

Check out Alex Kirkland's full story here - https://youtu.be/d39ZaS-1Cu0?si=tEsaNdMGKgdoSayA



Gateway Association

“Voices of Ability” was more than an event — it was a movement in action. On Friday, AEFN had the honour of participatin...
10/16/2025

“Voices of Ability” was more than an event — it was a movement in action.
 
On Friday, AEFN had the honour of participating in and sponsoring the ’ first-ever Disability Employment Awareness Month ( ) event, Voices of Ability — a day that celebrated the resilience, success, and strength of newcomers with disabilities entering Alberta’s workforce.
 
The stories shared by participants in the PREP PWD program were truly moving — individuals navigating the dual challenges of disability and settlement, who, with the right supports and inclusive employers, are now thriving in meaningful employment.
 
Our own Angela Flaman spoke about the importance of DEAM and collaboration across Alberta’s service provider network, emphasizing how we can make the greatest impact when we work together. The event also featured powerful messages from 💛 Susannah Tawse of and other community partners, reinforcing that inclusion is built through connection.
 
Another wonderful part of the day was the awards ceremony, recognizing employers and organizations leading the way in inclusive hiring and community support. We were deeply honoured that AEFN and MentorAbility Alberta were both recognized for their ongoing commitment to advancing equitable employment opportunities across the province.
 
The energy in the room was undeniable — hopeful, heartfelt, and deeply collaborative. The day concluded with a resource fair, where service providers and job seekers connected directly, embodying what true inclusion looks like in practice.
 
Congratulations to the Centre for Newcomers, Deborah Fissha and her team, for hosting such a meaningful and impactful first DEAM event. This is what progress through partnership looks like!
 

10/14/2025

In preparation for Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM), we filmed 9 testimonials from the pan-disability community to capture authentic experiences. Each person was asked a series of questions on their employment experiences related to their disability. This is a must watch for insights on what employers should know and on what accessibility can look like for each person. ⤵️

Check out Alex Jack's full story here - https://youtu.be/IQ3L_A8g9EM?si=JSBCoCHjxuN6W6kj



Gateway Association

Read our latest business spotlight with The Canadian Brewhouse 📣 Through an interview with Amie Jonas, AEFN discovered h...
10/10/2025

Read our latest business spotlight with The Canadian Brewhouse 📣

Through an interview with Amie Jonas, AEFN discovered how CBH builds a commitment to showing up as a mirror to the communities they serve. We see how inclusion didn't mean reinventing the business, it meant reintroducing it to all the people it exists to serve - and making small changes across the board.

Read more about it here - https://aefn.ca/the-canadian-brewhouse-cares-about-community/

We can't wait to see where The Canadian Brewhouse takes inclusion even further.

Address

Calgary, AB

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Alberta Employment First Network posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram

What is DEAM?

Disability Employment Awareness Month was implemented with the desire to recognize the inclusive environments that employers have created for individuals with disabilities, and to celebrate the skills and achievements of the workers themselves.