Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM)

SaskAbilities Celebrates Skills and Inclusive Employment During Disability Employment Awareness Month – DEAM

Saskatchewan – This October, SaskAbilities joins communities across Canada in recognizing Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM), celebrating the skills and contributions of people experiencing disability, and the important role inclusive employment plays in Saskatchewan workplaces, communities, and the economy.

The 2026 Canadian theme, “Skills Grow Economies. Disability Inclusion Fuels the Growth.,” highlights the value of an inclusive workforce and the importance of creating opportunities for people experiencing disability to contribute their skills and talents.

Throughout October, SaskAbilities’ Partners in Employment programs bring that message to communities across Saskatchewan through employer engagement, career exploration, employment stories, and events in Saskatoon, Regina, Moose Jaw, Swift Current, and Yorkton.

“People experiencing disability bring valuable skills, perspectives, and talents to workplaces across Saskatchewan,” says Ian Wilkinson, executive director of SaskAbilities. “When employers recognize that talent and create inclusive opportunities, everyone benefits. Disability Employment Awareness Month is an opportunity to celebrate that contribution and continue building workplaces and communities where people have opportunities to participate, contribute, and succeed.”

In Saskatoon, Partners in Employment is putting local employers in the spotlight through a series of video stories. Throughout October, employers will share their experiences with inclusive employment, the people they work alongside, and what inclusion looks like in their workplaces.

-On October 15, SaskAbilities Saskatoon will also partner with MentorAbility to celebrate Light it Up for DEAM. SaskAbilities locations on Kilburn Avenue, Louise Avenue, and 2nd Avenue will be illuminated in recognition of Disability Employment Awareness Month. Staff members will gather at Saskatoon City Hall and the Remai to celebrate the illuminated landmarks and capture photos of the evening.

In Regina and Moose Jaw, Partners in Employment will recognize DEAM through several community activities.

-On October 15, Partners in Employment offices, local employers, and community partners will participate in Light It Up! for DEAM, illuminating buildings purple and blue in recognition of inclusive employment.

-Regina will also host a Career Exploration Expo on October 21, bringing together job seekers and more than a dozen employers representing hospitality, construction, technology, automotive, government, and human services. The event will provide an opportunity to explore different career paths and connect directly with employers.

In Swift Current, DEAM activities began with Partners in Employment presenting to Swift Current City Council on September 28, sharing the importance of DEAM and inclusive employment. Throughout October, local businesses will be invited to participate in Light It Up! for DEAM, while Partners in Employment will highlight businesses they work with and share examples of inclusive employment in the community.

In Yorkton, Partners in Employment is beginning the month by welcoming the community to an Open House on October 1 following renovations to its office space. Throughout October, the team will recognize local employers and clients through social media, community media interviews, and an Employer Appreciation Breakfast. Local supporters will also be encouraged to display “I Support Inclusive Employment” decals in their windows. Yorkton’s DEAM activities will also include a job shadow experience with the Clean Team. The Mayor and members of City Council have been invited to work alongside the group, providing an opportunity to learn first-hand about the work the Clean Team does to help keep Yorkton’s downtown clean and welcoming.

Across the province, Partners in Employment will continue to share employment success stories, employer perspectives, and information about the supports available to clients and employers.

Partners in Employment supports clients experiencing barriers to employment with individualized employment services and works with employers to build inclusive workplaces and connect businesses with potential employees.

Skills grow economies. Disability inclusion fuels the growth. This October, SaskAbilities encourages employers and communities across Saskatchewan to recognize the skills people experiencing disability bring to the workforce and the role we can all play in creating more inclusive employment opportunities.

To learn more about SaskAbilities and Partners in Employment, visit SaskAbilities.ca