International Day for People with Disabilities Conference: Embracing Change for People with Disabilities
Saturday December 7, 1-4 P.M. EST
Keynote Speaker: 1:20-1:50
Guest Speaker: 2:00-2:30
Panel: 2:45-3:45 (4 panelists)
Hosted by AEBC and Partners
On December 7, 2024 from 1-4 p.m. EST, the Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians (AEBC) and partner organizations are hosting a virtual conference for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
The mission of AEBC is to increase awareness of rights and responsibilities so that blind, deafblind, and partially sighted Canadians as well as those with diverse disabilities can have equal access to the benefits and opportunities of society.
Since 1992, AEBC has participated in working groups and committees at the national, provincial and municipal levels. AEBC advocates for accessibility, equality and the elimination of barriers in the ways organizations and businesses deliver products, programs and services across Canada.
Speaker Criteria
We are seeking speakers with lived experience with disability, professionals with disability inclusion knowledge, those from the disability community, service providers, businesses, advocates, allies and other interested parties. We are looking for 6 speakers who match the following criteria. Please include your preference as a presenter or panelist.
● Disability awareness activists
● Policy makers or executives in charge of Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) or disability rights
● Government officials focused on disability rights
● Members from organizations or companies focused on disability and equity
● Members from the community with lived experience and stories to share on becoming advocacy changemakers
● Individuals who have made significant progress in helping those with disabilities
Speaker Topics
Main theme:
Embracing Change for People with Disabilities
Subthemes:
Personal change
Organizational change
Attitudinal change
Please note that nominations for speakers are also accepted. We look forward to reviewing your application.
Application Process
Interested candidates can submit their proposals in writing via email at IDPWD.event@blindcanadians.ca with the subject line “Speaker Application for the 2024 International Day for Persons with Disabilities Conference.” Include in your email:
1. Name
2. Contact information
3. Brief bio and experience with speaking on the topic of disability rights (work, other speaking events, etc.) Why are you interested in being a speaker?
4. Outline on your topic with a summary that is appropriate to the theme or sub themes of the event.
5. Brief description of your social media presence and website
6. Optional - Candidate can share prior speaking presentations or events including video, blogs, recordings, webinars
If you would prefer to submit your proposal in another format, please contact us to discuss via email at IDPWD.event@blindcanadians.ca before doing so. Please note that keynote speakers will have a half hour, whereas panelists have 10 minutes each to speak, followed by discussion and Q and A.
Key Dates
The call for speakers is open until November 15, 2024. Applicants will be notified by November 22, 2024 by the Speaker Review Committee. Successful candidates will need to provide a tentative script for the interpreters by November 30, 2024.
Partners
Accessibility Hamilton Alliance
Accessible Housing Network (AHN)
Accessible Media Inc. (AMI)
Baker McKenzie LLP - Empowerment Partner
CCB Toronto Visionaries
Centre for Independent Living in Toronto (C.I.L.T.) Inc.
Ethno-Racial People with Disabilities Coalition of Ontario (ERDCO)
Trailblazers Tandem Cycling Club
Woodgreen Community Services
International Day for Persons with Disabilities Speaker Review Committee
FEATURED IMAGE ALT TEXT: Photo of a man speaking into a megaphone.