Call for Speakers: International Day of Persons with Disabilities Conference 2026
The Conference will take place on Saturday, December 5, 2026 | Noon - 3:00 p.m. EST
Expanding Our Circle
Who is missing from the conversation? Whose experiences are we not hearing? And what could change if we reached beyond the people, organizations and ideas we already know?
Expanding Our Circle is about making the disability community broader, stronger and more connected. It is an invitation to hear different perspectives, build new relationships and create meaningful space for people whose voices and experiences may not always be part of disability conversations.
We are looking for people who can help us think differently about inclusion, participation, leadership and community. Your contribution might come from lived experience, advocacy, professional expertise, research, community leadership or simply a perspective that others need to hear.
If you have an idea, experience or perspective that can help expand the circle, we want to hear from you.
About the Conference
The Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians (AEBC) and partner organizations are hosting this virtual conference in celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. There is no cost to attend.
AEBC's Mission: To empower blind, Deafblind and partially sighted Canadians to drive change and 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.
Two Ways to Participate
Featured Speaker
Featured speakers will have approximately 30 minutes, including time for questions and discussion. Presentations can draw on lived experience, professional or community expertise, research, advocacy, or a combination of these.
Moderated Panel
You can also apply to participate in a moderated panel discussion. Panelists will have approximately five minutes to introduce themselves, their experience or expertise, and their perspective on the topic. A moderator will then lead a conversation among the panelists, followed by questions and discussion with participants.
You do not need to prepare a formal presentation to participate on a panel. You also do not need to be a professional speaker or represent an organization to apply.
Honorarium: Speakers and panelists will receive a $150 honorarium.
Please note: The conference will be recorded and shared on AEBC's YouTube channel after the event.
How to Apply
Send your proposal via email by October 30 to IDPWD.event@blindcanadians.ca with the subject line "2026 IDPWD Event Speaker Application". If you would prefer to submit your proposal in another format, please contact us before doing so. Please avoid PDF format to ensure accessibility.
Please include:
1. Your name and contact information, including any social media accounts you would like to share.
2. Whether you are interested in being a featured speaker, a panelist, or either.
3. A brief bio.
4. A brief description of the topic, experience or perspective you would bring and how it connects to Expanding Our Circle.
5. If available, links to previous presentations, videos, blogs, recordings or webinars. This is optional.
