Learning & Networking Events
The regular networking sessions offer so much more than merely meeting others who work in the same field. Stimulating conversation occurs between people who share the same goals of improving accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities, and increased independence through meaningful employment. Our regular networking meetings bring together individuals who work for local employment service providers, schools, colleges, disability services organizations, and other bodies. At these meetings, presentations educate attendees regarding disabilities, programs, government initiatives, and other services. Participants also have opportunities for collaboration, networking, and information sharing. These meetings are held in Abbotsford.
The BC Career Development Association has approved Focus Disability Network Society meetings and conferences for Continuing Education Credits. These credits are essential for certification and recertification as a Certified Career Development Professional.
Employment Service Centres have a requirement to attend educational sessions and network with other Employment support agencies. Attendance at Focus Disability Network Society events fulfils this criterion and builds capacity within the participating organizations.
Conferences are held annually, with locations ranging between the Fraser Valley Abbotsford and the Lower Mainland.
They provide detailed information regarding issues related to disability and employment.
Bi-monthly learning and networking sessions, held in the Fraser Valley, boast a roster of highly qualified experts presenting on topics to increase your knowledge. The environment is casual and open, promoting good dialogue and sharing of information amongst participants. Our events are approved by the BC Career Development Association, for Continuing Education Credits necessary for certification and recertification as a Certified Career Development Professional.
Take a look at the history of agendas below to see the variety of topics and calibre of presenters.
Learning & Networking Session | September 24, 2024 | Sara Curley from Indigenous Community for Leadership & Development (ICLD) Ana Marie Panczel from Langley Local Immigration Partnership (LLIP) |
Learning & Networking Session | May 14, 2024 | Dean Askin from Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) |
Learning & Networking Session | March 12, 2024 | Tom Conway from Small Business BC |
Annual Conference | November 9, 2023 | Don Lehn from Fraser Valley News, Chill TV and Abby TV |
September 12, 2023 | Jeanne Morton and Elizabeth Specht from the Cerebral Palsy Association of BC Ness Gale from the Low Entropy Foundation Christine Buchanan from Open Door Group CNIB – Come to Work program. | |
Learning & Networking Session | June 13, 2023 | Seanna Quressette from Douglas College |
April 18, 2023 | Heather Branscombe, Abilities Neurological Rehabilitation;
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January 17, 2023 | Belinda Deenik, Director of Learning and Development at the Canadian Alyson Seale, Associate Professor, University of the Fraser Valley; Lisa Persaud, Team Leader - Employment Services, March of Dimes Canada (MODC) | |
November 24, 2022 | Garth Johnson, auticon Canada; | |
September 13, 2022 | Russell Pinnson, Executive Director at JustWork; Peter Bailey, Co-Owner of Free Rein Associates; Nate Toevs, Marketing Manager for the WorkBC Assistive Technology Services program; | |
June 14, 2022 | Bryce Schaufelberger, selfadvocatenet.com; | |
April 12, 2022 | Kim Welsh, WorkBC; Kristin Coyne, Encompass Support Services; | |
January 11, 2022 | Dr. Rachelle Hole, UBC; | |
November 18, 2021 | Frank Cohn, Vancouver Association for Survivors of Torture; Len Pierre, Len Pierre Consulting; | |
Learning & Networking Session; Annual General Meeting | September 14, 2021 | Kate Collins, Embers Staffing Solutions; Ruth & Naomi's Mission; |
April 13, 2021 | Vineetha Nakka, The Centre for Epilepsy & Seizure Education; Jillian Bradley, inclusionBC | |
February 9, 2021 | Josh Bohr, Salvation Army; | |
November 17, 2020 | Cal Purcell, Canadian Vocational Training Centre | |
September 15, 2020 | Chris Gaudet, Raymond James Ltd – Nava Wealth; | |
June 25, 2020 | Scott Williams; | |
March 10, 2020 | Nate Toevs, Neil Squire Society; | |
November 19, 2019 | Keynote: Alyson Seale, University of the Fraser Valley; | |
Learning & Networking Session | September 17, 2019 | Valerie Beebe, MS Ambassador; |
June 18, 2019 | Lori Davis, Community Living BC; | |
March 12, 2019 | Erin See, Fraser Health; | |
January 15, 2019 | Tami Logan and Krista Mosdell, Inclusion Langley Society; | |
December 4, 2018 | Shelley Nessman, In the Company of Others | |
September 18, 2018 | Annette Borrows, Inclusion Langley Society; | |
May 29, 2018 | Ilene Candiana, Abbotsford Community Services Community Legal Advocacy Centre; | |
April 10, 2018 | Bryce Schaufelberger, Self Advocate Network; | |
January 23, 2018 | Gail Finnson, Rotary at Work BC; | |
November 22, 2017 | Jenn Cusick, Luminate Wellness | |
September 19, 2017 | Susanne Eddy and Teddie Steede, Ministry of Social Development & Poverty Reduction | |
May 16, 2017 | Debby Simcoe, FamilyWORKS | |
March 28, 2017 | Clare Seeley, the District of Mission's Economic Development Office | |
January 17, 2017 | Sandy Liles, BC Centre for Ability |