Shining a Light on Disability Inclusion: Light It Up! For NDEAM

Kawartha Lakes – This October, Kawartha Lakes joins communities across Canada to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). It’s a time to recognize the incredible contributions people with disabilities make in our workplaces and our community every day.

“National Disability Employment Awareness Month is not just about ensuring our policies reflect our commitment to hiring inclusively; it is about ensuring our actions do the same,” said Mayor Doug Elmslie. “Hiring staff with disabilities ensures that there are other perspectives available, and that those perspectives are valued. It makes our workforce stronger, more understanding, and more aware. True inclusivity has no limitation on what is possible.”

On the evening of Thursday, October 16, City Hall will be lit up in blue as part of Light It Up! For NDEAM, a nationwide campaign led by the Ontario Disability Employment Network (ODEN). This powerful event reminds us that disability inclusion isn’t just about awareness, it’s about action, opportunity, and building workplaces where everyone can thrive.

But Light It Up! For NDEAM is more than one night. It’s part of a growing national movement that sparks year-round conversations about disability-inclusive hiring, accessibility, and equity in employment.

How you can take part in NDEAM:

• Raise awareness: Celebrate the talents and achievements of people with disabilities in your workplace and community.
• Remove barriers: Support efforts to eliminate physical, technological, and social barriers that stand in the way of equal participation.
• Support disability-owned businesses: Shop, partner, or collaborate with entrepreneurs with disabilities to help empower economic inclusion.
• Spread the word: Share stories, photos, and key messages on social media using #NDEAM and #LightItUpForNDEAM.
• Get involved locally: Volunteer with or support organizations that empower people with disabilities in education, employment, and community life.

Accessibility in Kawartha Lakes

We’re committed to making our city inclusive for everyone—residents, visitors, and employees alike. With guidance from the Kawartha Lakes Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC), Council has approved the Municipal Accessibility Master Plan 2024-2029.

These initiatives help ensure our city continues to be a place where people of all abilities can live, work, raise a family, and retire.

Together, let’s build a community where inclusion isn’t just a goal, it’s our everyday practice.

For more information on NDEAM and Light It Up! For NDEAM, visit ODEN’s website.

---

Staying Connected

Activate your Jump Inbox to be the first to know about municipal news and events. Connect with us on Instagram, X, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.

- 30 -

Media Inquiries

Media are welcome to visit our Media Portal for high resolution images.