Call for Speakers: International Day of Persons with Disabilities Conference
- operations7108
- Oct 3
- 2 min read
Inclusion Benefits Everyone!
On December 6, 2025, from 1:00-4:00 p.m. EST, the Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians (AEBC) and partner organizations are hosting a virtual conference in celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. There is no cost to participants to attend.
We are seeking speakers for this important event.
Saturday December 6, 2025, 1:00-4:00 P.M. EST
First Speaker: 1:20-1:50
Panel: 2:00-3:00 (Four panelists)
Second speaker: 3:10-3:40
Speaker Criteria
We are seeking two speakers and four panelists who fit the following criteria:
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
Speakers will have thirty minutes including time for a Q&A.
Panelists should be willing to help the audience expand their knowledge on the multiple challenges faced by people with disabilities. The “ask me anything” approach is designed to revisit what it means to be inclusive, and Panelists should be prepared to answer participants’ questions within a respectful space. We hope this interactive sharing of information will increase knowledge and promote full inclusion.
Honorariums: Speakers will each receive $150; panelists will each receive $100.
Note that the event will be recorded and made available for replay on AEBC’s YouTube channel.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit their proposals via email at IDPWD.event@blindcanadians.ca with the subject line “2025 IDPWD Event Speaker Application”. If you would prefer to submit your proposal in another format, please contact us before doing so. Please avoid sending information in pdf format to ensure complete accessibility.
Include in your email:
Name
Contact information, including any social media accounts
Are you applying to be a speaker, a panelist, or do you have no preference?
A brief bio and public speaking experience (work, other speaking events, etc.) If applying as a speaker, please also provide an outline of your topic.
Optional - Candidate can share prior speaking presentations or events including video, blogs, recordings, webinars.
Key Dates
The call for speakers is open until October 31, 2025. Selected applicants will be notified by November 14, 2025, by the Speaker Review Committee. Successful candidates will need to provide a tentative script for the interpreters by November 28, 2025.
Hosted by AEBC and Partners
AEBC’s Mission: To empower blind, Deafblind and partially sighted Canadians to drive change, influence systems, by combining lived experience with focused advocacy and leadership.
Our vision: A society where individuals who are blind, Deafblind or partially sighted have equal access, equal voice and equal opportunity at home, work and in their community.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities Speaker Review Committee