a learning symposium on enhancing employment for persons ... · michelle beck, vice-president,...

Employment FirstStrategy





Innovations at Work:A Learning Symposium on Enhancing Employment for Persons with DisabilitiesMay 22-23, 2014

DIGNITARIES

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On March 23, 2014, Dave Hancock was sworn in as the 15th Premier of Alberta. In addition to serving as Minister of Innovation and Advanced Education, Mr. Hancock is the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Edmonton Whitemud, a position he has held for five terms.

Prior to his current appointments, Mr. Hancock served as Deputy Premier; Minister of Human Services; Minister of Education; Minister of Health and Wellness; Minister of Advanced Education; Minister of Justice and Attorney General; Minister of Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs; and Government House Leader; as well as vice-chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Education and Employment.

Premier Dave Hancock, QCMinister of Innovation and Advanced Education

Thursday May 22, 10:30 - 11:00 am

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Mr. Bhardwaj was sworn-in as Associate Minister – Services for Persons with Disabilities on December 13, 2013. He was elected to his second term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for Edmonton-Ellerslie on April 23, 2012.

In addition to his duties as an MLA, Mr. Bhardwaj was previously the chair of the capital region caucus. Mr. Bhardwaj moved to Alberta with his family in 1976. He became a journeyman automotive mechanic in 1983 before going back to school to become a teacher. He taught automotives, mathematics and physical education for 18 years.

Honourable Naresh BhardwajAssociate Minister of Services for Persons with Disabilities

Thursday May 22, 8:30 am Friday May 23, 2:45 - 3:30 pm

Mr. Bhardwaj is actively involved in the community, establishing Youth Link, a youth employment training program, and coaching soccer at the community league level and for Juventus U-18. Mr. Bhardwaj and his wife, Sunita, have three children.

A lawyer by profession, Mr. Hancock is a strong believer in giving back to the community. He supports numerous non-profit and service organizations, including Success By 6, Meals on Wheels, and Kiwanis Club. He and his wife Janet have three children.

MASTER OF CEREMONIES

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Mark Connolly is the host of CBC Radio’s morning show in Edmonton, Edmonton A.M. He is also an Olympic commentator with CBC Sports, having recently broadcast the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia. The games were the eighth Olympics of his career. Prior to hosting Edmonton A.M., Mark was the evening news anchor for CBC in Edmonton and CBC’s local radio/television sportscaster.

He was born and raised in Edmonton. Mark is very active in Edmonton charities and will be cycling 800 kilometres next month on Le Tour of Hope to raise money for the Kids With Cancer charity.

Mark Connolly

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

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Hayley Wickenheiser is regarded as one of the best female hockey players in the world. As a decorated Olympian, she has led her team to four gold and one silver medal as well as being named the tournaments’ most valuable player in both 2002 and 2006. For the 2014 Sochi Olympics Hayley was selected to be the flag bearer for the Canadian Olympic team in the Opening Ceremonies. During those same Olympics it was announced that she had been elected to the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Athletes Commission. As part of the Canadian Women’s National Team since age 15, Hayley has won seven gold and four silver medals at Women’s World Hockey Championships. In non-Olympic years, Hayley keeps her skills sharp by playing with the University of Calgary Dinos while pursuing her Kinesiology degree with a future goal in medicine.

Hayley WickenheiserThursday May 22, 9:15 - 10:15 am

Hayley’s passion for sport is paralleled by her drive to give back to the community, particularly to organizations with a commitment to youth such as Plan International Because I am a Girl, KidSport, Right To Play, Clean Air Champions, and Spread The Net.

Hayley was born in Shaunavon, Saskatchewan and is a proud mom to her son Noah.

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SCHEDULETHURSDAY MAY 22

am8:00 - 8:30

8:30 - 9:00

9:00 - 9:15

9:15 -10:15

10:15 - 10:30

10:30 - 11:00

11:00 - 11:45

Registration

Welcome and Greetings

Context Alberta’s Employment First Strategy

Keynote Achieving the Olympic Dream

Coffee and Networking

Greetings and Remarks

Panel Lessons from the Field: Employer Insights on Hiring People with Disabilities

Hayley Wickenheiser is a four-time Canadian Olympian and is one of the world’s best female hockey players. Off the ice, she is spearheading a new program to train adults with autism.

Dave Hancock, QC, Premier of Alberta and Minister of Innovation and Advanced Education.

Remarks by Honourable Naresh Bhardwaj, Associate Minister – Services for Persons with Disabilities

Brenda Lee Doyle, Assistant Deputy Minister, Disability Services Division, Alberta Human ServicesDonna Ludvigsen, Assistant Deputy Minister, Employment and Financial Supports, Alberta Human Services

Four employers will share their experiences leading and developing inclusive workplaces. They will discuss their successes and ongoing needs and challenges in hiring people with disabilities. Michelle Beck, Vice-President, People and Culture, ATB FinancialLori Campbell, Manager of Diversity, Enbridge Pipeline Dave Murphy, Managing Partner, Tony Roma’s restaurantsKeith Shillington, Senior Vice President, Stantec

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12:15 - 1:15 Lunch is served

1:15 - 2:30

3:45 - 4:00

2:00 - 6:00

2:30 - 2:45

2:45 - 3:45

Case Studies Employment First in Action

Closing Remarks

Embracing Diversity: Employment First Career FairLocated upstairs, Imperial Ballroom


Panel Long Career Paths: Personal Insights on Employment and DisabilityFrancine Berube, an office coordinator; Bill Brandon, a management consultant; Shauna Helm, an accountant; and Terri Robson, a teacher and public speaker; share their experiences discovering and moving forward on their career paths. Moderated by Carrie Anton, reporter for AMI-TV.

A review of three innovative employment programs that are improving employment outcomes for people with disabilities. Presentations by:Trish Bowman, Executive Director of Community Development at The Alberta Association for Community Living Karen Kelsey, Relationship Manager, The Lime Network CanadaMelanie Mitra and Tarina Dueck of Prospect.

pm11:45 - 12:15Spotlight Stepping Outside the Box: Gateway AssociationCindy de Bruijn, Executive Director of Gateway Association, shares how the organization has developed and implemented inventive strategies to promote and support employment for people with disabilities.

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12:00 - 1:00 Lunch is served

1:00 - 2:00

3:30 - 4:00

2:30 - 2:45

2:00 - 2:30

2:45 - 3:30

Showcase Leveling the Playing Field: Technology in Education and the Workplace

Closing Remarks


PerspectiveToward Increased Employment for People with Developmental Disabilities

EngagementAn interactive session with Honourable Naresh Bhardwaj, Associate Minister – Services for Persons with Disabilities

Dr. David Nicholas, Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary, will present results from a study examining employment experiences among people with autism, with implications and recommendations for moving forward on Alberta’s Employment First Strategy.

Three presentations on the latest statistics, trends, and technology solutions that are empowering people with disabilities. Carmen Ragan, Assistive Technology Ambassador, Ability HubDr. Laura Ghali, Registered Psychologist, Ability HubLaurie Osbaldeston, Assistive Technology Specialist, MacEwan UniversityChad Leaman, Director of Development, Neil Squire Society

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SCHEDULEFRIDAY MAY 23

am8:00 - 8:30

8:30 - 9:00

9:00 - 9:30

9:30 - 10:00

10:00 - 10:15

10:15 - 11:15

Networking

Welcome and Review

Perspective The Federal Perspective: “Rethinking Disability in the Private Sector” report

Perspective Putting Employment and Inclusion to Work

Panel Inclusive Education: Setting the Stage for Inclusive Careers


Sean McEwen of Calgary Alternative Support Services, shares his ideas on a made-in-Al-berta approach to implementing the principles of an Employment First Strategy.

Kathy Martin, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Loblaws will present findings from a new report by the Federal Panel on Labour Market Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities. The report has led to the formation of Canadian Business SenseAbility — a new organization created to improve employment of persons with disabilities.

A discussion about how K-12 schools and post-secondary institutions are meeting the educational needs of students with disabilities while preparing them for meaningful careers. Moderated by Bruce Uditsky, CEO of The Alberta Association for Community Living.Dr. Glenn Feltham, President of NAITDr. Anne Hughson, Director, University of Calgary’s Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies Dr. Tim Loreman, Dean of Research and Faculty Development at Concordia University;Joel DesJardine, recent SAIT graduate student

pm11:15 -12:00 SpotlightRe-writing the Rules of Hiring: Abilities@WorkMark Farr, Disability Outreach Consultant with the City of Edmonton is joined by Pat Kempinski, Maintenance Supervisor, City of Edmonton Fleet Services and David Reed, Technical Team Support, City of Edmonton Fleet Services, to discuss how this innovative, collaborative program is transforming the City of Edmonton as an inclusive workplace.

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Trish Bowman is the Executive Director of Community Development at Alberta Association for Community Living. She has worked extensively in inclusive post-secondary education for over 25 years, creating opportunities for students with developmental disabilities to be fully included in regular programs of study and to develop career paths. Recently, she has been responsible for the development of the Youth Employment Partnership, an initiative that creates opportunities for Youth with Disabilities to gain valuable experience working in part-time employment after school and on weekends.

Bill Brandon has more than 25 years of experience as an organizational change and development consultant. During his career, he has been an entrepreneur, an executive with a national consulting firm, a senior manager in government and a leader in the not-for-profit sector. For many years, Bill has volunteered in the community and been a Board member for several charities and not-for-profit organizations. Bill has been legally blind since birth.

Francine Berube has many years of experience in adminis-trative support performing such duties as answering tele-phones, filing, and basic data entry. Past employers have found that she is a hard working and dedicated employee. Francine’s strengths include attention to detail and strong interpersonal skills including a great sense of humour. She recently lost her long time job in an organizational down-sizing. Despite many set backs in her life, which she faced with strength, courage and determination, she has worked hard to be successful: she lives in her own apartment, owns a car and pursues many interests.

Trish Bowman

Bill Brandon

Francine BerubeThursday May 22, 1:15 - 2:30 pm

Thursday May 22, 2:45 - 3:45 pm


Lori Campbell has worked in the field of adult and community education since 1985, when she moved to the Northwest Territories to teach adult basic education. In 2011, she took on the exciting new role of Manager of Diversity with Enbridge Pipelines. Her education includes a Masters in Adult Education and a Doctorate in Educational Policy Studies, Administration and Leadership, from the University of Alberta.

Lori Campbell Thursday May 22, 11:00 - 11:45 am

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BIOGRAPHIES

Carrie Anton is a gold medalist from the Sydney Paralympic Summer Games in 2000, in the sport of Goalball. She continues promoting quality sport experiences as a director on the Edmonton Sport Council. Carrie has over 25 years experience as an assistive technology and accessibility specialist. She also has many roles in the community as a coach, fundraiser, and reporter for Accessible Media Inc. (AMI-tv). Carrie works on projects that advance and enhance quality experiences for people with disabilities in employment, education, sport and life.

Carrie AntonThursday May 22, 2:45 - 3:45 pm (Moderator)

Michelle Beck is Vice President of People and Culture at ATB Financial. In this role she supports ATB team members in leadership development, post-secondary institution relationships, diversity and inclusion, and health and wellness. She has over 20 years combined experience as a chartered accountant and as a senior leader in various industries across Canada, including transportation, finance and commerce. Her career began at ATB in 2004 and she loves that ATB supports her desire to build a meaningful career, yet enables her to balance this with her passion for family.

Michelle BeckThursday May 22, 11:00 - 11:45 am

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Dr. Laura Ghali, a registered psychologist, is the Clinical Director at the Ability Hub and an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Paediatrics at the University of Calgary. As a Developmental Psychologist her clinical practice focuses on neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), mental health comorbidities and best-practice interventions. Her research interests target enhancing educational and vocational outcomes for children on the autism spectrum, successful transition to adulthood and meaningful community engagement.

Shauna Helm received her Certified Management Accountant (CMA) in 2003. She has worked in the non-profit and private sectors over the last 14 years. Aside from working as an accountant, Shauna volunteers her time with the Arthritis Society and with the City of Edmonton, advising council on issues facing people with disabilities. One inescapable trait of Shauna’s is her incredible zest for life.

Dr. Glenn Feltham, PhD, MBA, LLB, CMA, FCMA, was appointed President and CEO of the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology in 2011. He is a dedicated proponent of NAIT’s relevant and responsive programs delivered through its educational pillars: science, technology and the environment; health; trades and business. Dr. Feltham serves on the governing council of the Standards Council of Canada, is vice chair of Polytechnics Canada and chaired the Taskforce for Teaching Excellence of the Alberta Ministry of Education.

Dr. Laura Ghali

Shauna Helm

Dr. Glenn FelthamFriday May 23, 1:00- 2:00 pm


Friday May 23, 10:15 - 11:15 am

E. Anne Hughson, Ph.D. Director CRDS; Associate Professor, University of Calgary; Registered Psychologist with experience teaching in disability studies; supporting individuals with disabilities and families; program evaluation of inclusive post secondary education initiatives in Alberta and British Columbia.

E. Anne HughsonFriday May 23, 10:15 - 11:15 am

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Joel DesJardine is a double graduate from the Civil Engineering and Engineering Design and Drafting technology programs, at SAIT Polytechnic. For the past year he’s been working as a drafting Technician at Focus Cooperation, in their land development department. His ultimate goal is to move up and work in transportation engineering or design.

Tarina Dueck is a Manager of Employment Services at Prospect, where she oversees a portfolio of employment programs for people who face barriers to employment. She has worked in the disability sector for 14 years, with a focus on employment related issues. At Prospect she manages a number of programs, including Viable, which has broken new ground in creating inclusive and diverse employment cultures. Tarina has a diploma in Social Work and a Bachelor of Commerce, with a major in Management.

Cindy de Bruijn graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Calgary. Since 2004, she has been the Executive Director of Gateway Association. Previous to this role, she worked in policy development for the Government of Alberta and as a Program Director with a local disability services organization. Cindy tries to approach all of her work in the most innovative way possible, and is a passionate advocate for work/life balance.

Joel DesJardine

Tarina Dueck

Cindy de BruijnFriday May 23, 10:15 - 11:15 am

Thursday May 22, 1:15- 2:30 pm

Thursday May 22, 11:45 -12:15 pm

Mark Farr is a Disability Outreach Consultant in Human Resources at the City of Edmonton. Mark holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Victoria and several years of experience supporting individuals with disabilities to find employment. In his current role he strives to educate managers on focusing on the abilities instead of disabilities, to educate the public about the diverse job opportunities at the City of Edmonton, and to create programs to provide employment and work-related experience opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Mark FarrFriday May 23, 11:15 - 12:00 pm

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Sean McEwen functions as a senior member of the management team at Calgary Alternative Support Services, is a Senior Consultant with RealEyes Capacity Consultants, and has chaired provincial and national boards dedicated to the promotion of workforce inclusion for people with barriers. Sean is a co-developer and facilitator of the Alberta Supported Employment Consultant Training curriculum, and has co-authored a ‘Best Practices in Employment Inclusion’ document as well as regular Employment Inclusion blogs.

Melanie Mitra has worked in the non-profit sector since 2000, after a decade of business experience. She began her non-profit career with an agency specializing in services for adults with developmental disabilities. In 2003, she became Director of Disability Services for Prospect Human Services. In 2007, she became Prospect’s CEO. She has challenged Calgary’s non-profit sector to take risks, innovate and improve by using private sector and non-profit best practices to improve the delivery of human services.

Kathy Martin is a retail executive, working for Loblaw Companies Limited and Canadian Tire Corporation in operational and human resources roles. In 2012, Kathy was a member of the Panel on Labour Market Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities and was recognized as a Canadian Diversity Champion by the Women of Influence advocacy group. Kathy is Chair of a new not-for-profit business organization called Canadian Business SenseAbility. Kathy lives with her husband and daughters outside of Toronto.

Sean McEwen

Melanie Mitra

Kathy MartinFriday May 23, 9:30 - 10:00 am


Friday May 23, 9:00 - 9:30 am

Dr. David Nicholas, PhD, RSW, is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Calgary, and is cross-appointed to the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Alberta. His research addresses vocation, quality of life and family experience, with a particular focus on people with developmental disability and/or chronic health conditions. Dr. Nicholas holds multiple national and international research grants, and he has presented in this area both in Canada and internationally.

Dr. David NicholasFriday May 23, 2:00 - 2:30 pm

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Pat Kempinski is a Maintenance Supervisor of Fleet Services with the City of Edmonton.

Chad Leaman is the Director of Development for the Neil Squire Society. Chad led the Neil Squire Society launch of online learning of core organizational programs, including Computer Comfort (free one-to-one computer tutoring) and Employ-Ability (12 week employment course focusing on career development and wellness). He now focuses on fundraising and developing key partnerships to expand and support the organization’s services and mission statement. He’s also a father of young twins and most likely to get injured while playing sports.

Karen Kelsey is Relationship Manager for The Lime Network in Canada. She manages and builds the corporate and post-secondary educational institution partnerships integral to the success of the Lime Connect mandate in the Canadian marketplace. She has over 30 years of relationship and people management experience in the financial services sector, and has been involved for 10 years in the not-for-profit sector where she has held various board executive positions for an organization focused on individuals with Asperger Syndrome.

Pat Kempinski

Chad Leaman

Karen Kelsey Friday May 23, 11:15 - 12:00 pm

Friday May 23, 1:00 - 2:00 pm


Dr. Tim Loreman is Dean of Research and Faculty Development and Professor of Education at Concordia University College of Alberta. He was previously a classroom teacher. His active research interests include inclusive education and pedagogy, having published numerous books and peer-reviewed journal articles in these areas along with presenting at major international conferences.

Dr. Tim LoremanFriday May 23, 10:15 - 11:15 am

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Bruce Uditsky, M.Ed., is Chief Executive Officer, Alberta Association for Community Living and is recognized internationally as an advocate and leader in community inclusion and social justice. Bruce serves on many government advisory bodies. He has been instrumental in the development of internationally recognized innovations including Rotary Employment Partnerships and in founding and expanding inclusive post-secondary education globally. Bruce is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Calgary. He is also the parent of a son with developmental disabilities.

Keith Shillington is Stantec’s Senior Vice President, Canada Prairies and Regional Leader, Alberta North. Keith loves working in the community and sharing in the accomplishments of over 1,600 dedicated employees within the Alberta North region. He is committed to the continued growth of Stantec in Edmonton and our surrounding communities. He supports many local organizations, and is passionate about his involvement with several community organizations.

Bruce UditskyKeith Shillington Friday May 23, 10:15 - 11:15 am (Moderator)Thursday May 22, 11:00 - 11:45 am

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Carmen Ragan is the Assistive Technology Ambassador for the Launch. She has developed expertise in working individually with clients to improve social communication, manage daily routines/scheduling, reduce prompting and develop independent living skills. She brings personal and professional experience in the use of iPad/iPod/iPhone technology and has investigated a variety of apps that can be tailored to meet individual client needs.

David Reed is Technical Team Support for Fleet Services with the City of Edmonton.

Laurie Osbaldeston has worked at MacEwan University as the Senior Assistive Technology Specialist for the past 15 years. For 10 years prior to that she gained experience teaching diverse populations in a variety of technology-related courses at MacEwan University and several other Alberta post-secondary institutions. Laurie loves seeing the impact that the right piece of technology can have on a student’s learning and self-confidence.

Carmen Ragan

David Reed

Laurie OsbaldestonFriday May 23, 1:00 - 2:00 pm

Friday May 23, 11:15 am - 12:00 pm

Friday May 23, 1:00 - 2:00 pm

Terri Robson is an educator who struggled to understand and accept the impact of Asperger Syndrome on her life. Having done so she became determined to share what she has learned with others. From partsman to teacher; musician to motivational speaker, travel with Terri on her journey to acceptance. Dynamic. Funny. Informative. Aspie for life!

Terri Robson Thursday May 22, 2:45 - 3:45 pm

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If you have feedback to share about your experience at the symposium, thoughts on any of the content, or have suggestions for future presentations, please send an e-mail to: [email protected] We’d love to hear from you!

This two-day symposium will be live streamed via webcast to the public. The video is being recorded and photographs will be taken. By attending the Innovations at Work symposium on May 22-23, 2014, you are giving consent to Alberta Human Services and its organizing committee to be photographed and/or videotaped, and agreeing that such material may be used in promotional, marketing, and public information sharing purposes.

After the symposium on Thursday, take a some time to visit the Career Fair taking place May 22, from 2-6 p.m. in the Imperial room on the main floor of Radisson South Hotel. The fair is organized by Alberta Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour and Alberta Human Services.

Visit the Alberta Employment First Strategy website and sign up to the e-mail newsletter to receive periodic updates about future events, webcasts, announcements and Employment First related information.

http://humanservices.alberta.ca/employmentfirst

Your Feedback

Important Notice

Embracing Diversity Career Fair

Sign up for the Employment First mailing list

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THANK YOU

Thank you for spending two days with us at Innovations at Work: A Learning Symposium on Enhancing Employment for Persons with Disabilities. A special thank you to the symposium planning committee for their tireless work in organizing two action-packed days of presentations, panel discussions, videos and interactivity. We hope you find it inspiring and informative.

This symposium is made possible by the Government of Alberta.

Diana Bierworth, Alberta Human ServicesTina Faiz, Big Pixel CreativeCarissa Halton, Big Pixel Creative Bohdan Horich, Alberta Human ServicesSean Kochan, Alberta Innovation and Advanced EducationGisela Kwok, Alberta Human ServicesSharon Matthias, Matthias IncCarlie Scuccato, Alberta Jobs, Skills, Training and LabourCharles Strachey, Alberta Human ServicesTim Weinkauf, Alberta Human Services

Our Appreciation

Planning Committee members:

a learning symposium on enhancing employment for persons ... · michelle beck, vice-president,...

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