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SUMMARY:ConnecTra Society's 2026 Abilities Expo
DESCRIPTION:ConnecTra’s flagship event is back for its 15th year! Join us for disability-focused vendors\, resources\, guest speakers\, and more. \nThe Vancouver Abilities Expo is back!\nConnecTra Society’s flagship event\, the Abilities Expo\, brings together exhibitors\, vendors\, resources\, guest speakers\, and more to enrich the well-being and connectedness of the disability community.\nConnecTra Society’s FREE annual flagship event is back for its 15th event. The 2026 Abilities Expo theme\, Connected Futures\, reflects the importance of innovation\, accessible technology\, and inclusive design in strengthening our communities. This year’s Expo showcases organizations\, services\, and ideas that are helping shape more connected and inclusive futures\, featuring informative and inspiring presentations\, community resources\, and opportunities to engage across generations and lived experiences. \nDate: Monday\, June 8th 2025\, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM PT \nLocation: Roundhouse Community Centre\, 181 Roundhouse Mews\, Vancouver\, BC \nCome join us for an exciting day filled with disability-focused exhibitors\, vendors\, speakers\, and so much more! Whether you’re looking for adaptive physical activities to join this summer\, a new creative or technical hobby to discover\, resources to help with all aspects of living life to the fullest with a disability\, or inclusive travel opportunities—there’s something for everyone at Abilities Expo. \nFeatured Presentations for the 2026 Abilities Expo:\nMainstream Technology Products – Assistive Technology Purposes \nExplore how free or low‑cost mainstream technologies –originally designed for coding\, gaming\, productivity\, and smart‑homes – can be repurposed as assistive technologies to support more accessible digital and physical environments. Learn about how everyday tools can enhance efficiency\, independence\, and cognitive access for people with a wide range of needs. \nJody Dickerson is an Assistive Technology Professional and Trainer with the Neil Squire Society. With a degree in User Experience (UX) Design and a belief in reshaping technology to fit people\, not the other way around\, she has spent more than a decade working alongside the disability community to broaden opportunities in education\, employment\, community life\, and independent living. \nWorkBC Assistive Technology Services \n“Have a barrier to employment? WorkBC Assistive Technology Solutions has the solutions!” Learn about who qualifies\, how to apply and what can be covered in the WorkBC Assistive Technology Services program. \nNate Toevs is the Marketing Manager at Neil Squire for the WorkBC Assistive Technology Services program\, a non-profit organization that has been revolutionizing the lives of Canadians with disabilities since 1984 through accessible technology. Nate has a long-standing background in Retail\, Wholesale and Business to Business sales and marketing activities. His talk will focus on a program that can benefit British Columbians with assessments\, training and adaptive or assistive technology solutions\, that range from lo-tech to hi-tech\, ergonomics\, hearing aids\, and visual aids. \nEveryday Accessibility – 3D Printing for Cost Reduction and Easy Access \nLearn about how\, with the help of volunteers and their Open Source digital library\, Makers Making Change distributes everyday accessibility devices to community members and occupational therapy clinics across Canada at low- or no-cost using 3D printed technology. From accessible switches and adapted toys to bottle openers and pen grips\, there are hundreds of devices available for people of all ages. \nKris Stirling is a longtime event specialist with a decade of experience across live event genres. She is passionate about community organization and lifelong learning\, which has taken her to all sorts of unexpected places and helped her collect an array of skills. In her time at Makers Making Change\, she has engaged with hundreds of students of all ages\, teaching them about the importance of accessibility in everyday life with the use of 3D printed devices. \nA Look into the World of Assistive Technology \nCanadian Assistive Technologies carries a wide array of specialty technologies designed for people with disabilities. Join their President\, Steve Barclay for a look at the current available technologies and insight into where the technologies might be heading in the years to come. Covered areas include technology for: Low vision\, Blindness\, Physical Disabilities\, Augmentative Communication\, Cognition/Dementia Care\, Deaf and Hard of Hearing. \nSteven Barclay is a seasoned Canadian leader in the assistive technology industry with over 36 years of experience in delivering technology solutions that enhance accessibility and independence for people with disabilities. He is the Founder and President of Canadian Assistive Technologies Ltd.\, a Vancouver-based company specializing in the distribution\, sales\, training\, support\, consultation\, and servicing of assistive technology for individuals\, schools\, agencies\, and organizations across Canada. In addition to his business leadership\, Steve has contributed to the wider assistive tech community\, including co-founding the AT Banter Podcast — a long-running platform for accessibility discussions and assistive technology news. \nInteractive Activities at the 2026 Abilities Expo:\nAdaptive Chair Yoga with Bobbie Seale-Cobiskey \nJoin Bobbie Seale-Cobiskey for an in-person\, Accessible Chair Yoga session! Bobbie is a Certified Yoga Therapist with the International Association of Yoga Therapists (C-IAYT) and longtime ConnecTogether host. This accessible Chair Yoga class will weave together practical breathing techniques with sensitively taught yoga postures and movements to meet the needs of all participants. \nMovement Workshop with All Bodies Dance \nDance is for every BODY. Join Andrea Cownden with All Bodies Dance Project for an in-person workshop to connect with the joy of movement\, self-discovery\, and imagination. Explore and improvise through action prompts\, phrases\, shapes\, and activities that celebrate the diversity of inclusive community dance. No experience is required; everyone is welcome. Move as much or as little as you would like. \nFull List of Vendors for the 2026 Abilities Expo:\nPlatinum Sponsor \n\nTrexo Robotics\n\nGold Sponsors \n\nNurse Next Door Vancouver\nQualicare Home Care\nWavefront Centre for Accessibility\n\nSilver Sponsors \n\nAdvanced Medical\nMacdonald’s Home Health Care\nMy Care Matters Health Services\nWorkSafeBC\n\nBronze Sponsors \n\nAquastar Therapies Inc.\nCanadian Assistive Technology\nFresh Prep\nHME\nLime\nNeil Squire Society\nThe Sexuality Clinic Inc.\n\nPublic Sector Sponsors \n\nCanada Revenue Agency\nInsurance Corporation of BC (ICBC)\nPublic Service Commission of Canada\nVancouver Fire Rescue Services\n\nNon-Profit Sponsors \n\nAll Bodies Dance Project\nBC Wheelchair Basketball Society\nCanadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB)\nCAYA\nCOSCO BC\nDisability Alliance\nEnviroBag Evolution\nIFRC\nKickstart Disability Arts and Culture\nLeash of Hope Assistance Dogs\nMakers Making Change\nMiss Wheelchair Canada\nPASS Adult Services Society\nPlan Institute\nPower for All Adventure Therapy\nRight Fit Program\nRichmond Centre for Disability\nSCI-BC\nSeniors First BC\nTechnology for Living\nTheatre Terrific\nVancouver Public Library\nWorkBC Centres\n\nIf you have any questions\, please send our event organizers an email at info@connectra.org.
URL:https://www.neilsquire.ca/event/connectra-societys-2026-abilities-expo/
LOCATION:Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre\, 181 Roundhouse Mews\, Vancouver\, BC\, V6Z 2W3\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Community,Community Event,Expo,Forum,Makers Making Change,WorkBC ATS
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260609
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260612
DTSTAMP:20260529T173014Z
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UID:31816-1780963200-1781222399@www.neilsquire.ca
SUMMARY:31st Annual National Supported Employment Conference
DESCRIPTION:Creative Employment Options Career Facilitator Sandra Grib will be speaking on Disability Disclosure\, Accommodations and Technologies at the 31st Annual National Supported Employment Conference in Ottawa. \nJoin CASE\, CCRW\, ODEN and delegates from across Canada for the 31st Annual National Supported Employment Conference! \n\n\n\n\nWe will gather in person at the Westin Ottawa in Ottawa\, Ontario\, from June 9 to June 11\, 2026. \nThe Annual Conference brings together employment service providers\, employers\, community partners\, and other allies to celebrate and to advance employment inclusion of persons experiencing disability. \nThrough sessions and workshops led by leaders and innovators in the field of supported employment\, we will explore shared best practices\, innovative solutions to common challenges\, the latest trends and research findings\, and opportunities for networking and community building. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis conference will be of interest to: \n\nEmployers and business leaders with a national or provincial presence\nEmployment service providers\nHR professionals and diversity and inclusion specialists\nEmployment counsellors and case managers\nRepresentatives from public\, private\, and non-profit sectors\nGovernment officials and policymakers (federal\, provincial\, municipal)\nEducation and training leaders\nLabour and union representatives\nPersons with lived experience of disability working in the sector\nDisability advocates\nand anyone else interested in employment inclusion for persons experiencing disability!
URL:https://www.neilsquire.ca/event/31st-annual-national-supported-employment-conference/
LOCATION:Westin Ottawa\, 11 Colonel By Drive\, Ottawa\, Ontario\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Community Event,Conference,Creative Employment Options,Presentation
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20260609T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20260609T120000
DTSTAMP:20260521T212950Z
CREATED:20260521T212807Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260521T212950Z
UID:31780-1781002800-1781006400@www.neilsquire.ca
SUMMARY:Toy Hacking 101 Part 1: How to Switch Adapt Toys Using Instructions
DESCRIPTION:Join members of the Makers Making Change Team as they present the Summer Series: Toy Hacking 101. This is a 3 part series and a space to come with questions and a curiosity to learn more about switch adapting toys. Session one is June 9th at 2pm EST/11 am PST. All sessions will be recorded. \nPart 1: How to Switch Adapt Toys Using Instructions \nJoin MMC staff as they introduce what is switch adapting toys\, guide participants in navigating MMC resources to find instructions\, what tools are needed\, and where to purchase needed parts and toys. \nThis workshop will be 30 minutes of instruction\, provided by an open Q&A with MMC staff and hands on demonstrations for switch adapting toys.
URL:https://www.neilsquire.ca/event/toy-hacking-101-part-1-how-to-switch-adapt-toys-using-instructions/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:Buildathon,Community Event,Demonstration,Makers Making Change,Presentation,Webinar,Workshop
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260610T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260610T140000
DTSTAMP:20260521T213226Z
CREATED:20260521T213226Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260521T213226Z
UID:31782-1781083800-1781100000@www.neilsquire.ca
SUMMARY:Build Event with BLG Law Firm Ottawa
DESCRIPTION:BLG Law Firm will collaborate with Makers Making Change in a hands-on STEM workshop\, learning to create switch-adapted toys that promote accessible play for all.
URL:https://www.neilsquire.ca/event/build-event-with-blg-law-firm-ottawa/
LOCATION:BC
CATEGORIES:Buildathon,Makers Making Change,Workshop
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