The application to participate in this online conference is at the following link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScWtsaeqT-2LKA9aTHc0zgcwOGFncR1zkiRgG5tbIu9suXMzQ/viewform

A comprehensive information package is appended to this blog post as a PDF.

Background:

We launched this conference last year as a free, one-day virtual Career Conference for 100 university and college students from across Canada facing one or more barriers* in the workforce, to provide professional skill development, real-word education from diverse industry professionals, and opportunities for students to network with companies they might not otherwise have the chance to!

*Our list of eligible barriers includes but is not limited to race, gender, sexual orientation, and physical ability; a full list of eligibility can be found within the application.

The last event was a huge success, with:

• 100% of students reporting that the conference gave them access to new information and panelists they would not have had access to otherwise
• 98% that the conference gave them access to organizations and companies that they would not have had access to otherwise
• 86% that they felt more prepared for job searching, interviewing, and entering the workforce following the career conference
• 98% that they would love to attend the conference again if given the opportunity

The full breakdown from last year, including student testimonials and feedback, last year’s schedule, and photos of the different panels and sessions is attached!

This year promises to be even bigger and better!

What our Virtual Career Conference includes:

Morning: Professional skills-based workshops in the morning led by Deloitte, Executive Director of The Get REAL Movement Chris Studer, and globally recognized Career Strategy Coach & Former Fortune 500 Senior Director Tiffany Uman:

1. Prep Skills Workshop:

• Resumes & Cover Letters
• Personal Branding & LinkedIn

2. Live Skills Workshop:

• Crushing the interview
• Network effectively

Afternoon: Five different educational panels with leading industry professionals from amazing companies and organizations! Last year’s organizations included Kiehl’s, Deloitte, Recipe Unlimited, Purdys Chocolatier, DDB, Peace Collective, Hackergal, LG2, Rainbow Railroad, and WealthSimple.

1. Start-ups & Entrepreneurship
2. DEI in the Corporate Space
3. Non-Profits & Charities
4. Recruiters and Hiring Managers
5. Surprise Panel!

Attendees can look forward to a combination of fan-favorites from last year, along with new incredible new companies and organizations, as well as a new panel entirely!

The day will conclude with virtual breakout rooms where students will have the chance to meet recruiters at ten different companies and organizations, including Get REAL, to ask questions, get face-time, and hear about employment opportunities!

This event is completely free, completely virtual over zoom, and also includes lunch, T-Shirts, and prizes sent out to attendees!”

Independent Living Canada/Vie Autonome Canada is asking for feedback on the accessibility of outdoor, indoor, and virtual festivals and events in Canada. Our survey is collecting the lived experiences of Canadians with disabilities, and those who support us. We want to know what was good, and what made it hard, or impossible, to take part in festivals and events.

We will use this feedback to make accessibility recommendations. Canadian festivals and events can use these to improve accessibility. The recommendations will also inform future standards for Accessibility Standards Canada.

The survey ends on February 2^nd, 2024. You can find the survey at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FestivalAccessibilitySurvey-PeopleWithDisabilities .

More information, and other survey formats, such as Word, ASL, LSQ, etc., are on the Independent Living Canada festival accessibility webpage.

If you have questions, please contact Lisa, the Research Study Coordinator. Email her at festivals@ilc-vac.ca, or call toll free (888) 660-4755.

This project is funded by Accessibility Standards Canada, and the Government of Canada. Independent Living Canada is a national non-profit association of community-based Independent Living Centres. They are run by, and for, people with disabilities.