Realize is hosting the 6th National Summit on Episodic Disabilities and Employment on March 18 and 19, 2026 from 12pm to 4:00pm (Eastern Time) on both days.
Register now for the 2026 Annual Episodic Disabilities and Employment Summit
This year’s event will focus on the Future of Work, addressing topics such as:
- The impact of ‘return to office’ mandates for people living with episodic disabilities
- The impact of AI on work and disability accommodation
- Shifting employer perspectives in response to long-COVID and other emerging conditions
- And more!
On Zoom
Registration is Free
Wednesday March 18, 2026 – 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm ET
Thursday March 19, 2026 – 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm ET
The program features keynote speakers, former Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion (and former Paralympic swimmer) Carla Qualtrough, and Tina Sarkar-Thompson, Assistant Vice President, Human Resources at the Royal Ontario Museum, alongside leading employment and research experts, and panels with employers and people with lived experience.
Learning Objectives
Participants will learn to
- Recognize the tools and resources available to increase understanding and awareness of episodic disability at work.
- Identify how episodic disability affects employment from people with lived experience.
- Understand the ethical, economic, and social implications of increased AI use in the workplace.
- Reflect on how return to in-person work policies can balance both organizational goals and individual employee well-being.
Jump to Registration form below the Agenda
Future of Work Agenda ______________________________________________________________________________
|
Time |
SUMMIT DAY 1 |
| 12:05-12:20pm | Welcome Ceremony, Land Acknowledgement and housekeeping from Realize |
| 12:20-12:30pm | Welcome from Government Official Speaker TBD |
| 12:30-1:00pm | Keynote Speaker: Tina Sarkar-Thompson Assistant Vice President, Human Resources Royal Ontario Museum |
| 1:00-1:15pm | Break – Mandatory |
| 1:15-1:45pm | Embedding Disability Culture into Canadian Workplaces This session presents the advantages of disability inclusion in workplaces across Canada Christopher Sutton, Accessibility Commissioner Canadian Human Rights Commission |
| 1:45-2:00pm | Realize Resources and Projects Speaker: Addison Brash, Project Lead, Realize |
| 2:00-2:15pm | Break – Mandatory |
| 2:15pm-2:45pm | Researching Long COVID and Work This session provides participants an overview of cutting-edge research on Long COVID and how it impacts the lives and work of those with the condition. Kelly O’Brien, PT, PhD Professor, Department of Physical Therapy, University of Toronto Co-Director, Rehabilitation Science Research Network for COVID |
| 2:45-3:15pm | Obstacles and Opportunities: Building Accessible and Inclusive Workplaces Through Lived Experience This panel discussion highlights the personal experience of two people living with episodic disabilities. They will share obstacles they have faced in the workplace, and they’ll suggest opportunities for employers to build accessibility and inclusion. Speakers: Emily Gillespie and Lisa McKeown, people with living experience of working with episodic disabilities |
| 3:15-3:30pm ish | Closing Remarks |
|
TIME |
SUMMIT DAY 2 |
| 12:05-12:15pm | Welcome and housekeeping from Realize |
| 12:15-12:50pm | AI at Work: Impacts on Hiring, Disability, and the Future of Work This session explores the realities of working while reliance on AI is increasing. Topics will include the impact of using AI in hiring, how this affects employers, disabled people, and the future of work. Dr. Jutta Treviranus, Director Inclusive Design Research Centre, OCAD University |
| 12:50-1:05pm | Break – Mandatory |
| 1:05-1:50pm | From Hiring to Thriving: Supporting a Positive Employee Experience and Exploring Self-Employment Panel Discussion: Rachel Boutin, Former Government Employee and Consultant for Disabled Artists |
| 1:50-2:10pm | The IDEAL as Innovation Project This session reflects on the joint project between Realize and CILAR that investigated the intersectional barriers visible minorities living with episodic disabilities face in the workplace. Speakers: Keneisha Williams, CILAR and Sophie Vira, Realize |
| 2:10-2:30pm | Break – Mandatory |
| 2:30-3:00pm | Back to the Office: The Employee Perspective This session will focus on employee views on returning to in-person work. This will include research on the attitudes, behaviours, and experiences of workers with disabilities. Speaker: Dr. Catherine Connelly Professor / Business Research Chair / Director, McMaster Centre for Research on Employment and Work |
| 3:00-3:45pm | Keynote Presentation: Carla Qualtrough Former Federal Government Minister and Former Paralympic Swimmer |
| 3:45-4:00pm | Closing ceremony Indigenous Elder and Realize Closing Remarks |
| Agenda is subject to change. | |
We hope you’ll join us!
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