What is DEAM (Disability Employment Awareness Month) and why is it important?

Every October, Alberta celebrates Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM). It’s a time to recognize the essential contributions people with disabilities make in the workforce and to encourage more inclusive hiring across the province.

This year’s theme, “Authenticity in Action,” reminds us that inclusion isn’t just about opportunity. It’s also about creating workplaces where everyone can bring their whole, authentic selves to work.

History of DEAM

Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) began in Canada in 2010, when the Province of Manitoba officially proclaimed October to recognize and celebrate the contributions of workers with disabilities. Other provinces soon followed, including Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, and Nunavut.

Since then, DEAM has grown into a national movement that brings together employment service providers, employers, and community organizations nationwide. Each October, these partners host events and campaigns that raise awareness, celebrate success stories, and highlight the many benefits of inclusive hiring for both businesses and job seekers.

Quick stats about disability employment in Canada

One in five working-age Canadians in the labour force experiences some form of disability. That’s about 21% of the workforce or 3.2 million workers. *
In 2024, the employment rate for persons with disability was 46.4%, and that for persons without disability was 66.2%. **
More than 741,000 working-age people experiencing disability have potential for paid employment in a fully inclusive labour market. ***

Why is DEAM important?

DEAM shines a spotlight on the incredible value that diversity brings to Alberta’s workplaces and communities. It’s also an opportunity to challenge misconceptions about disability and employment. People with disabilities are skilled, motivated, and dedicated employees. However, many still face barriers when seeking work, from inaccessible workplaces to assumptions about what they can or cannot do.

When businesses remove these barriers and focus on ability instead of limitation, everyone benefits. Inclusive workplaces are stronger, more creative, and more productive.

How employers can get involved

DEAM is about action as much as awareness. Employers can take meaningful steps to support inclusion, such as:

Educating teams about accessibility and disability awareness.
Reviewing hiring practices to ensure they’re inclusive and barrier-free.
Creating accessible workplaces with adaptive technologies and flexible work options.
Partnering with organizations like EmployAbilities to connect with skilled job seekers who are ready to work.

EmployAbilities works directly with Alberta employers who want to build inclusive teams. Our staff help match qualified candidates with open positions, provides on-the-job support, and offers disability awareness training to strengthen workplace culture. We have several employer programs that help connect you to qualified, trained and motivated workers for your job vacancies.

Together, we can build a more inclusive Alberta

Promoting DEAM this month is beneficial, but it is part of a growing and ongoing movement toward equity and inclusion in the workforce. Every conversation, job posting, and opportunity shared helps create a more inclusive economy for all Albertans.

If you’re an employer looking to take real action this DEAM, EmployAbilities can help you connect with diverse, talented individuals and create a workplace where everyone can thrive.

Let’s celebrate inclusion not just in October — but every day.

👉 Learn more about how EmployAbilities can support your business: https://employabilities.ab.ca/for-employers/