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Disability Employment Awareness Month 2026

SHA Building lit up at night with blue and purple lights in support for DEAM

October 2026 marks Ontario Tech University’s fourth annual celebration of Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM), joining a national initiative dedicated to recognizing the contributions of people with disabilities and advancing inclusive employment practices.

At Ontario Tech, DEAM reflects our commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) and our shared responsibility to foster a workplace where individuals with both visible and invisible disabilities are welcomed, supported, and empowered to thrive.

DEAM is an opportunity to recognize that employment accessibility extends beyond meeting legal requirements; it is about creating meaningful opportunities, removing barriers, and building a workplace where everyone can contribute and succeed. Through training, awareness initiatives, education, and resource-sharing, Ontario Tech continues to strengthen accessibility and inclusion across the university and the broader community.

This October, we invite our campus community to learn, engage, and reflect on how we can each contribute to a more accessible and inclusive workplace during DEAM and throughout the year.

Events on Campus

  • October 1 - Light Up for DEAM

    On the evening of October 1, 2026, Shawenjigewining Hall (SHA) and Bordessa Hall (BOR) will light up in purple and blue in recognition of Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM). Bordessa Building lit up at night in purple and blue in support of DEAM

    The illuminated buildings are a visual reminder of Ontario Tech’s commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and creating workplaces where people with disabilities can thrive.

    • Who: Everyone is welcome to participate
    • What: SHA and BOR illuminated in DEAM colours; purple and blue
    • When: Evening of October 1, 2026
    • Where: Shawenjigewining Hall and Bordessa Hall

    Take a stroll, snap a photo, and share in the celebration! Join us in recognizing DEAM and helping shine a light on the importance of accessible and inclusive employment.

  • October 14 - Show Your Purple and Blue Colours

    As Ontario Tech University continues its Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) celebrations, we invite our campus community to help raise awareness and show support by wearing purple and blue on October 14, 2026.Ontario Tech University staff posing outside the campus building, dressed in blue and purple, surrounded by pumpkins and fall flowers.

    Wearing these colours is a simple way to stand together in support of accessible, inclusive employment opportunities and to recognize the contributions of people with disabilities in the workplace.

    How Did DEAM Begin?

    DEAM grew from Light It Up! for NDEAM, an initiative launched in 2020 by the Ontario Disability Employment Network (ODEN). In 2021, the campaign expanded into a nationwide movement, with buildings, landmarks, and signs illuminated in purple and blue to raise awareness about disability employment.

    For organizations and communities unable to illuminate their spaces, wearing purple and blue became another meaningful way for individuals to participate and show their support.

    Why Purple and Blue?

    • Purple represents creativity, harmony, and cooperation, reflecting the shared goal of creating greater employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
    • Blue represents trust, dignity, professionalism, intelligence, and loyalty, and is widely associated with credibility and strength in professional settings.

    Join Us on October 14

    We invite everyone to wear purple and blue and join us for a DEAM group photo!

    • Date: October 14, 2026
    • Time: 1 p.m.
    • Location: Tribute Communities Lobby, Shawenjigewining Hall (SHA)

    Everyone is welcome to participate. Whether you are a student, staff member, faculty member, or part of our broader campus community, your participation helps raise awareness and celebrate the importance of accessible and inclusive employment.

    Can't make it in person? You can still participate! Take a photo of yourself wearing purple and blue and send it to aoda@ontariotechu.ca so we can celebrate your support.

    Ontario Tech University staff smiling inside the Office of the Registrar, wearing blue clothing.

    DEAM Purple & Blue Group Photo

    • Who: Everyone is welcome
    • What: Wear purple and blue in support of DEAM
    • When: October 14, 2026, at 1 p.m.
    • Where: Tribute Communities Lobby, Shawenjigewining Hall
  • October 16 - Durham Region Disability Employment Conference 2026

    Durham Region Disability Employment Conference 2026

    Ability in Action: Connecting Talent with Opportunity

    The Region of Durham Disability Employment Conference brings together employers, community organizations, educators and accessibility advocates to explore strategies for building more inclusive workplaces. Durham Region, in partnership with Ontario Tech University and Ready, Willing and Able, is hosting the one-day event to highlight inclusive practices, emerging trends in accessibility and collaborative approaches that support employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

    The conference features a keynote and a panel discussion focused on inclusive recruitment, workplace accessibility, employee retention and fostering inclusive workplace cultures. Attendees will also have opportunities to connect through an interactive resource village showcasing programs, services and resources that support disability inclusion in the workforce.

    Date: Friday, October 16, 2026
    Time: 9 am to 3 pm
    Venue: Ontario Tech University, Science Building (formerly known as UA), 2000 Simcoe Street North, Oshawa, ON

    Event Highlights:

    • Keynote Speaker – Dr. Mahadeo Sukhai, the world’s first congenitally blind geneticist and nationally recognized leader advancing equitable employment across Canada.
    • Panel discussion with disability and employment professionals
    • Recruiters seeking talent from people with disabilities
    • Interactive vendor expo

     Register here to attend. 

  • October 29 - Health, Safety and Wellness Fair

    The 2026 Health Safety and Wellness Fair is scheduled for Thursday, October 29, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Founding Deans Atrium (SCI_W_ATR).

    The Accessibility Working Group will also be in attendance at the 2026 Health, Safety and Wellness Fair. Stop by our booth to learn more about accessibility initiatives at Ontario Tech, ask questions, and explore available resources that support an inclusive campus environment.

    For more information, visit the Health, Safety and Wellness Fair webpage.

Training, Activities and Resources

  • Training and Compliance with Accessibility Standards

    At Ontario Tech, we are dedicated to ensuring all employees are trained and knowledgeable about the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), the Integrated Accessibility Standards, and the relationship between the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC) and AODA. We are committed to fostering an environment where communication is inclusive of all abilities.

    AODA Training Requirements

    All full-time and limited-term faculty (including Teaching Assistants, Research Assistants, Research Associates, Sessional Instructors, and Post-doctoral Fellows) as well as full-time and limited-term staff (including University Works students, casual employees, and invigilators) are required to complete the AODA Training Modules.

    Mandatory Training for Faculty and Instructors

    All faculty and instructors (including full-time and limited-term faculty, academic associates, sessional instructors, teaching assistants, research assistants, and invigilators) must complete the Ontario Tech Accessible Instruction Module for Educators.

    Training Requirements for Non-Employees

    Managers/supervisors/team leads are responsible for ensuring that all volunteers, university work-study students, co-op and placement students, contract employees, and third-party service providers complete the mandatory AODA training as soon as possible after their start date.

    Access the Training Modules

  • DEAM Accessibility Scavenger Hunt

    In celebration of Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM), we’re launching an exciting Accessibility Scavenger Hunt across Ontario Tech’s campus — and you're invited to play!

    Accessibility Scavenger Hunt

    Your Mission:
    Explore the campus to find key accessibility features like ramps, braille signage, accessible entrances, and more — all while learning how our campus supports an inclusive and barrier-free environment.

    Dates: October 1st - 31st

    How to Play:

    • Solve clues and complete accessibility-related tasks
    • Take photos at each location
    • Submit your completed photo set by October 31st to the Google Form

    This is a great way to learn, explore, and support Ontario Tech’s values of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA).

    Ready to hunt? Let’s make accessibility visible!

  • DEAM Connections Game

    As part of Disability Employment Awareness Month, we’re challenging you to a game that’s all about making connections -literally!

    Your Task:
    Play our Custom Connections Game and group related terms that highlight key concepts around accessibility, inclusion, and disability awareness.

    Play now:
    PLAY DEAM CONNECTIONS HERE

    How it works:

    • You’ll be given 16 terms
    • Sort them into 4 related groups
    • Think you’ve got what it takes?
    • Share your results with your friends and colleagues - bragging rights are on the line!

    Whether you ace it on the first try or learn along the way, it’s a great way to engage with Ontario Tech’s values of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA).

    Let’s connect the dots and grow our awareness, one puzzle at a time!

  • Assistive Technology Spotlight

    Did you know that Ontario Tech offers a variety of free and readily available assistive technologies to support accessibility, productivity, and inclusive learning and work environments? Assistive technology (AT) includes tools, software, and devices designed to help individuals overcome barriers related to reading, writing, communication, learning, vision, hearing, mobility, memory, and more.

    As part of Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM), we encourage all faculty, staff, and students to explore the assistive technologies available through Ontario Tech's Accessibility Hub. Resources include tools such as Read&Write, Orbit Note, OpenDyslexic, and built-in accessibility features from Microsoft and Apple that can help make digital content more accessible and improve the user experience for everyone.

    Accessibility benefits us all. Whether you're looking to improve readability, use text-to-speech features, enhance document accessibility, or explore tools that support different learning and working styles, these resources can help create a more inclusive and barrier-free campus community.

    Learn more about the assistive technologies available to the Ontario Tech community by visiting the Accessibility Hub:

    Assistive Technology Resources

    Together, let's continue building an accessible and inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

  • Building an Inclusive and Accessible Workplace

    As part of Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM), Ontario Tech is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible workplace where individuals with disabilities can contribute their skills, experience and talent.

    Hiring the Right Talent

    Inclusive hiring practices help organizations build diverse teams and create opportunities for talented individuals with disabilities. As part of DEAM, Ontario Tech is pleased to share the Hiring the Right Talent resource, which highlights the importance of inclusive recruitment practices and the many benefits of building diverse and inclusive teams.

    Hiring the Right Talent

    Workplace Accommodation for Employees and Job Applicants

    Creating an inclusive workplace also means ensuring employees and job applicants have the support they need to participate fully throughout the recruitment and employment process.

    Ontario Tech is committed to supporting employees and job applicants with disabilities by helping identify and remove workplace barriers. Health & Disability Management Services provides support related to workplace accommodations and can assist employees, applicants and managers throughout the accommodation process.

    Whether you are applying for a position or currently working at Ontario Tech, accommodations are available to help ensure fair and accessible participation in the workplace.

    Learn more about available supports, accommodation processes, forms and manager resources:

    Accommodation for Employees & Job Applicants

    Creating an Inclusive Workplace Together

    Inclusive employment goes beyond recruitment. It means creating an environment where individuals are welcomed, supported and provided with equitable opportunities to succeed.

    This DEAM, we invite our community to learn more about inclusive hiring and workplace accommodation and consider how we can all contribute to creating a more accessible and inclusive workplace at Ontario Tech.

  • Celebrate Accessibility in Media and Art

    Accessibility and disability representation are also vital in the arts and media. Books, articles, movies, podcasts, and more offer valuable insights into the experiences of people with disabilities. We encourage you to explore the diverse content available that highlights these important themes.

    Our Ontario Tech Campus Library team has curated several collections of accessibility and disability-related resources for you to enjoy. Whether you’re looking to watch, listen, or read, these resources are a great place to start:

    Special thanks to Catherine Davidson, Chelsie Lalonde, and Cathie Griffin for their work in compiling these resources.

    We invite you to visit the Campus Library to explore all the resources we have available, and we hope you enjoy these enriching materials!

  • Keep an Eye Out for Our Internal News!
    Stay up-to-date with all the latest updates, events, and important news. Be sure to check your Ontario Tech Mobile app every week to stay informed and engaged with everything happening around campus!