Across Canada, October is recognized as Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM). In recognition of this month, Memorial University's Department of Human Resources and the Portfolio of the Vice-Provost, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism (EDI-AR) have organized several events to celebrate and discuss employment inclusion.

 1: Leading with Accessibility Confidence Panel: In partnership with EmpowerNL the Disability Resource Centre, there will be an informative session on Tuesday, Oct. 15, from 12-2 p.m. at The Landing (UC3015), located in the University Centre (UC).

This event will include a panel featuring subject matter experts. During the session, attendees will learn about creating barrier-free environments and adopting accessible recruitment practices. The event will conclude with a Q & A and an opportunity to network in person. There will be resource booths on topics including adaptive technology (AT) and career development on site. Refreshments will be available. Please note this is a hybrid event with an option to participate in person on the St. John’s campus or online. Members of the Memorial community located outside St. John’s are encouraged to participate virtually and can register here.

 2: Light It Up! for DEAM: Members of the university community are invited to show support for DEAM by wearing purple and blue on Thursday, Oct.17. This day marks DEAM’s 5^th anniversary of shining a light on disability inclusion in employment in our communities. Last year, almost 700 locations in almost 150 communities nationwide shone purple and blue.

 3: Disabilities Mentoring Day: Memorial is partnering with the Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work (CCRW) for Disabilities Mentoring Day on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024. On this day, university employees will be paired as mentors to mentees who are interested in similar lines of work. Employees who are interested in participating as mentors for the day are asked to complete the online registration form by Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. A meet and greet will be held for mentors and mentees in advance of Oct. 30.

 If additional information on any of these events, please contact Mandy Penney, employment equity officer.