Ontario Disability Employment Network (ODEN)

25/11/2025

Our final episode of our 2025 podcast season is live today!

Part two in our intersectionality series is a compelling conversation about disability and poverty to wrap up season six.

Statistics Canada figures from 2022 and 2023 show, over one million people who have a disability, are Canadians with low income.

Both disability and poverty are on the rise in Canada.

So what’s going on in this country? And does it depend on where you live in Canada?

The Market Basket Measure is the cost of one basket of goods and services that a family of four needs for a basic standard of living…and how much income they need for that one basket.

But disability advocates say the MBM leaves out a big thing: Additional costs, such as mobility aids, that people who have a disability, have every year.

They give the federal government a failing “F” when it comes to addressing the issues involved in the intersection of disability and poverty.

Find out why…what needs to change…..and what motivates our two guests to advocate for change…in this compelling conversation with:

–Rabia Khedr, National Director of Disability Without Poverty
–Fabio Crespin, Senior Manager of Inclusive Employment at United Way Greater Toronto








–Download the episode from Podbean: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/d4fu8sgz7a79crhz/_FINALFINALMix_Ep40DisabilityAndPoverty-23Nov2025_mixdown981wg.mp3
–Listen on Podbean: https://youcantspellinclusionwithoutad.podbean.com/e/ep-40-the-intersection-of-disability-and-poverty-%e2%80%94-intersectionality-series-pt-2/
–Download, listen and share on our website: https://www.odenetwork.com/ep-40-intersection-of-disability-and-poverty-intersectionality-series-pt-2/
–Episode transcript:https://www.odenetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/TranscriptEp40DisabilityPoverty-24Nov2025.pdf


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 39 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 40. 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, The Intersection of Disability and Poverty. Below the podcast artwork and tagline text there are two photos in splash frames and a dark purple starburst callout with white text. The left photo is a head-and-shoulders photo of a woman wearing a hijab and smiling confidently at the camera. White text under the photo identifies her as Rabia Khedr. The right photo is a man with curly hair, glasses, and a beard and moustache who is smiling at the camera. White text under the photo identifies him as Fabio Crespin. White text in the purple starbust call-out to the right of the photo reads, Special Intersectionality Series — Part 2. At the bottom, white text reads, New Episode Live! Tune in on Podbean or wherever you find your favourite podcasts.

14/11/2025

At last week’s Rethinking Disabilities Conference, the REAL Xchange Knowledge Translation and Transfer partners (ODEN, Partners 4 Planning and Community Living Essex County) brought the energy with a Family Feud–style session…and it was anything but ordinary! Participants went head-to-head in a high-energy, interactive game that tested their knowledge (and guesses!) while uncovering everything REAL Xchange has to offer.

To learn more about the REAL Xchange Knowledge Translation and Transfer: https://realxchange.communitylivingessex.org/knowledge-exchange/

13/11/2025

Last week, ODEN’s Rethinking Disability Conference 2025 welcomed over 250 delegates from across Ontario for three powerful days of learning and connection. Together, we explored what ‘Resiliency in Times of Change’ truly looks like for Employment Services Providers and how they can support job seekers, employers, and our communities.

Across sessions, speakers reinforced what many are feeling: “we are being asked to do more with less”. Yet, delegates left with tangible strategies they can apply immediately. Many shared that they felt seen, validated, and energized, leaving with new ideas to take back to their organizations and teams.

As we return to our day-to-day work, we encourage everyone to pause, reflect, and connect with your teams on what resonated most and where you want to take action next.

We extend our sincere appreciation to those who attended, to our speakers for their expertise and our sponsors whose support made this conference possible. Your contributions fuel this work, and the progress ahead.

The work continues and there is more to come.

11/11/2025

Today, we honour the courage and sacrifice of those who served and those who continue to serve.

Their legacy reminds us to keep building a future where everyone belongs and is valued.

Lest We Forget. 🇨🇦

10/11/2025

The 31st Annual National Supported Employment Conference in partnership with the CASE - Canadian Association for Supported Employment, Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work (CCRW | CRT) and the Ontario Disability Employment Network (ODEN) will be hosted in beautiful Ottawa, Ontario from June 9 to 11, 2026.

Save the date and the opportunity to learn best practices, innovative solutions to common challenges, the latest trends and research findings, and opportunities for networking and community building.

Learn more at: https://lnkd.in/eGQJWsfn

"If you are looking for a place to network and learn more about working with people with disabilities, CASE is the conference to attend."

"The CASE conference makes you excited to put to practice all the things you take in during these amazing few days."

— 2025 Conference delegates

10/11/2025

03/11/2025

Welcome to Day 1 of RDC25!

A few reminders for today:

➡️ You do not need to choose which sessions you are going ahead of time. Feel free to attend whichever sessions you desire.

➡️ Business stream sessions are only open to Businesses who have pre-registered. This is not an open session.

➡️ Tonight we will be hosting a Networking Business Event from 4:30-6:30pm outside of the Grand York Ballroom sponsored by The Career Foundation.

➡️ Exhibitor Alley sponsored by WCG Services, will open Monday morning. Be sure to visit the booths throughout the conference.

➡️ Innovation Alley sponsored by VRAIE IDEA has some great promising practices to showcase. Be sure to visit this area outside of the Registration area.


If you have any other questions, please email info@odenetwork.com. We are very excited to be hosting RDC 2025 once again!

31/10/2025

We’re excited to announce WCG Services as the Exhibitor Alley Sponsor for RDC25!

WCG Services is a leader in employment and rehabilitation programs in Ontario, supporting diverse job seekers and connecting businesses with the talent they need. Their work helps strengthen local labour markets and connect people with meaningful opportunities.

Thank you to WCG Services for helping create space for organizations to network and share resources at RDC25!

Exhibitor Alley Participants:

➡️ CASE - Canadian Association for Supported Employment
➡️ Project Search Canada
➡️ Community Living Ontario
➡️ Community Living Toronto
➡️ Community Services Benefits Trust
➡️ First Work Ontario
➡️ Literacy Link South Central
➡️ March Of Dimes Canada
➡️ Michaels Stores Canada
➡️ EmployNext powered by SERCO
➡️ Ontario Corporate Training Centre
➡️ Disability and Employment Awareness Enhancement Project

30/10/2025

We’re proud to announce VRAIE/IDEA (Inclusive Design for Employment Access) as the Innovation Alley Sponsor for RDC25!

VRAIE/IDEA is driving systems change through inclusive research and design that improves access to meaningful employment for people who have a disability. Their leadership in innovation and evidence-based collaboration makes them the perfect partner for our Innovation Alley.

Innovation Alley is a space dedicated to showcasing creative solutions, research, and technology shaping the future of work.

Innovation Alley Exhibitors:

➡️ Real Xchange Knowledge Translation Transfer
➡️ Institute for Work & Health
➡️ Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
➡️ Squarely Accessible
➡️ Square Key Digital

Make sure to stop by Innovation Alley at RDC25!

30/10/2025

As National Disability Employment Awareness Month comes to a close, many businesses are asking: How can we turn awareness into action?

One place you can start with is your job postings.

The words you choose can open or close the door to talent.

➡️ Swipe through to learn 3 simple changes to make your job postings more inclusive and effective.

You can access the full resource “7 Tips for Creating Highly Effective Job Postings” at: https://www.odenetwork.com/businesses/business-resources/

29/10/2025

We’re excited to announce Collège Boréal as the Gala Dinner Sponsor for Day 2 of the Rethinking Disability Conference (RDC25)!

Collège Boréal serves communities across Ontario through education, training, and community partnerships. With campuses in key regions across the province, they support job seekers to gain the skills and opportunities to succeed in today’s workforce, a mission that aligns closely with RDC25.

Thank you to Collège Boréal for helping make our evening of connection, celebration, and community possible.

We’re grateful for your support in our evening of connection, celebration, and community possible!



Image Description: Image Description: A graphic with a purple backdrop and yellow spotlights pointing toward the center. At the top middle is the white and blue logo for the Rethinking Disability Conference 2025. A light blue rectangle banner is below the logo with text: Gala Sponsor. Below the banner is a blue and green logo of Collège Boréal. At the bottom of the graphic are details on the event: Nov 3-5, 2025, Sheraton Parkway North Toronto, 9005 Leslie St., Richmond Hill, ON.

29/10/2025

We’re excited to announce another dynamic session at RDC25!

Janeen Halliwell and Paul Fleming, Partners at People Minded Business, are bringing their global expertise in strategy, innovation, and inclusive design to the conference with their session, “Future Ready: Using Creative Problem-Solving to Tackle Employment Challenges.”

Drawing on insights from the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs 2025 Report and emerging Ontario trends, this highly interactive session will explore the key forces shaping the labour market for people who have a disability and how Creative Problem-Solving (CPS) can help organizations adapt and innovate.

We’re thrilled to have Janeen and Paul join us at RDC25!

Don’t miss out, register today: https://ontariodisabilityemploymentnetwork15.wildapricot.org/event-6125232

Image Description: A graphic with a purple backdrop and yellow spotlights pointing toward the center. On the left, an image of Janeen Halliwell, with brownish golden hair and wearing a grey blazer, smiling at Paul Fleming, with short grey hair and wearing a black dress shirt smiling back at them. On the right, text reads: People Minded Business; Janeen Halliwell & Paul Fleming; Future Ready: Using Creative Problem-Solving to Tackle Employment Challenges.