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From Awareness to Action: Advancing Employment for Students with Disabilities

Brought to you by: The Canadian Association of Career Educators and Employers (CACEE)

Closing the employment gap for students with disabilities requires more than just awareness—it demands intentional action. This session will showcase innovative research and applied strategies from the Accessibility Institute at Carleton University, designed to support both career services professionals and employers in fostering inclusive hiring practices.

We’ll explore key insights from the David C. Onley Initiative (DCOI)—a multi-year research project in collaboration with seven Ontario post-secondary institutions, funded by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities. This initiative has identified practical ways to bridge the transition from post-secondary education to meaningful employment for students with disabilities. The session will also introduce two key resources:

  • #AbleTo Tap Into the Talent – A free online resource for employers, providing courses and tools to build disability-inclusive workplaces.
  • #AbleTo Prepare Students for Work Field Guide – A practical tool for career services professionals supporting students with disabilities in their job search.

Whether you support students in career services or hire post-secondary talent, this session will equip you with actionable strategies to drive real change and create more inclusive employment opportunities


Featuring our regular segment “What caught my eye in DEI” with Larry Jackson and Bob Athwal.


Tuesday 25th March 2025, 15:30 UTC

These webinars are exclusive to members of our subscribed associations

  • Please look out for details and login information via your association. If you are not a member and would like to attend please contact us at: info@ineucs.org.
  • Times above are UTC/GMT, please check your time zone. 
  • Webinars will be recorded and shared with those who have registered. 

Speakers

Paul Redmond

Chair

Director of Student Experience and Enhancement, University of Liverpool

Dr Paul Redmond, author, keynote speaker, employment guru, is one of the UK’s leading experts on generational change and the future of work.
As one of the UK’s leading experts on employment markets, the impact of artificial intelligence and the changing world of work, Paul has presented at hundreds of conferences and events around the world. In addition to writing regularly for national newspapers and other publications, he is a frequent guest on both radio and TV, appearing on numerous BBC and independent news and current affairs programmes.

Paul is the author of numerous books, reports and studies, including the best-selling ‘The Graduate Jobs Formula.’ In recognition of his writing and research, in 2010 Paul was awarded a Fellowship of the British Royal Society of Arts.


Julie Caldwell

Assistant Director, Operations at the Accessibility Institute, Carleton University

Julie has worked at Carleton University for over 30 years. In her role as Assistant Director, Operations at the Accessibility Institute, she is responsible for overseeing all operational activities including human resources, finance and administration, physical space and all operational needs. She also co-leads the Institute’s applied research activities that specialize in topics related to employment for persons with disabilities, and has an oversight role for the Canadian Accessibility Network (CAN) National Office, which is led by the Institute.

Prior to assuming her leadership role at the Accessibility Institute, she managed professional graduate programs at the Sprott School of Business; held the position of university secretary; served as chief administrative and accreditation officer as well as laid the groundwork for the Business Career Management Centre at the Sprott School of Business; and occupied a variety of roles in the central career centre on campus. She also is a contract instructor teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate level at the Sprott School of Business. Julie earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Ottawa’s Telfer School of Management.


Tara Connolly, M.A., RP.

Assistant Director of Research and Development at the Accessibility Institute, Carleton University

Tara serves as the Assistant Director of Research and Development at the Accessibility Institute, Carleton University. In this role, she leads a variety of pan-Canadian projects focused on accessibility and the diverse lived experiences of disability. With over 20 years of experience as a Transitions Specialist, Tara has consulted on the use of inclusive practices to enhance accessibility across multiple sectors, including school boards, post-secondary institutions, businesses, government agencies, and healthcare settings. She is recognized as a content expert, dedicated to building capacity in accessible practices and fostering accessibility confidence.

In her counselling practice, Tara supports a diversity of individuals, specializing in working with neurodivergent adults and youth. She collaborates with clients to develop personalized strategies that empower them to navigate transitions into and throughout adulthood, enabling them to thrive on their own terms.


Bob Athwal

Director of Culture & Belonging, Skyscanner

Bob has a unique background and perspective as he has been an employer, a vendor and a University senior leader. He is a regular International conference speaker specialising in Early Careers, Social Mobility and Racial Equity, Student Experience and Student Outcomes.

He has been the recipient of several industry awards relating to graduate recruitment and development as well as careers preparation within universities.

As well as being the co-founder of the Global Career Services Summit, Bob is also the co-founder of the 1 Hour Project, an initiative designed to level the playing field based upon his PhD to help advance social mobility amongst graduates.


Larry Jackson

Senior Associate Director for Berkeley Career Engagement, University of California Berkeley

Larry Jackson is Senior Associate Director for Berkeley Career Engagement at University of California Berkeley, a top 5 public research university that serves over 42,000 students. Larry has over 12 years of career services experience having worked for University of California and Northwestern University. He has been recognized for his leadership within career services having served on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Colleges and Employers and being awarded the NACE Rising Star Award. He has also contributed to the professional development of career services professionals by delivering regional and national presentations at annual conferences for NACE, NASPA and Midwest ACE.



These webinars are exclusive to members of our subscribed associations

  • Please look out for details and login information via your association. If you are not a member and would like to attend please contact us at: info@ineucs.org.
  • Webinars will be recorded and shared with those who have registered. 

If you have any queries please contact us at info@ineucs.org.