Conference

Speakers

Call for speakers

31st Annual National Supported Employment Conference

From Insight to Action: Driving Equity in Employment

June 9-11, 2026

Westin Ottawa | Ottawa, Ontario

Hosted by

Canadian Association for Supported Employment (CASE)

in partnership with

Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work (CCRW)

Ontario Disability Employment Network (ODEN)

CASE, CCRW, and ODEN invite proposals for presentations, workshops, panels, and roundtable sessions for the 31st Annual National Supported Employment Conference taking place June 9–11, 2026.

This national conference brings together employment service providers, employers, researchers, self-advocates, policymakers, and community partners who are committed to advancing inclusive employment opportunities for persons experiencing disability.

Timeline

Call Opens: October 20, 2026
Proposal Deadline: February 6, 2026
Notification of Acceptance: March 2026
Final Presentation Materials Due: May 11, 2026
Conference Dates: June 9 to 11, 2026

Why present?

Share your innovative practices, research, and lived experience with a national audience.
Contribute to national conversations on disability employment, equity, and systems change.
Connect with a network of professionals and advocates across Canada.
Enhance your profile as a thought leader in supported employment.

Themes and topics of interest

We welcome proposals that address any aspect of supported employment, vocational rehabilitation, inclusive hiring, labour market integration, policy, and employer engagement. Possible themes include (but are not limited to):

supported and customized employment models
inclusive recruitment and employer engagement strategies
transitions (for example, youth to work, return to work, justice system reintegration)
assistive technology and digital inclusion
intersectionality, equity, and culturally responsive practices

outcome measurement and program evaluation
advocacy, public policy, and sustainable funding
peer-led initiatives and self-advocate voices
systems innovation, scalability, and sustainability
training, professional development, and workforce capacity building

The conference will be held in person. Proposals should indicate any AV, room set-up, or accessibility requirements.

Speaker eligibility and expectations

Sessions must align with CASE’s Guiding Principles.
Speakers are responsible for preparing and submitting their content and handouts, which will undergo accessibility review and be shared with delegates.
Accepted speakers must register for the conference if they wish to attend other sessions.

Submission guidelines

Submit your proposal via our online form by February 6, 2026.

Questions

For questions about the call for speakers, formats, or process, please contact:

Lenore Klein | National Event Planner

Email: [email protected]

We look forward to receiving your proposals to help make the 2026 conference a powerful, inclusive, and transformative gathering.

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