Closing the employment gap in inclusive employment

Overview

This webinar explores the concept of the “Preparation Gap” in inclusive employment and why building employer capacity is essential for sustainable hiring outcomes. While many employment systems focus on placing someone in a job, far less attention is given to preparing workplaces and supervisors to confidently train and support a new employee. Drawing on LiveWorkPlay’s Employment Supports Model, this session highlights the importance of proactive preparation, relationship-building with employers, and co-created training plans that identify accommodations and workplace supports in advance. By investing in employer readiness before the first day of work, organizations can strengthen workplace confidence, reduce reliance on reactive supports, and create more successful and sustainable employment opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities and autistic people.

Speakers

Keenan Wellar has served as Co-Leader and Director of Communications at LiveWorkPlay since 1997. Over nearly three decades, he has worked to advance inclusive policy and practice that expands access to meaningful employment, housing, and community life for people with intellectual disabilities and autistic people. As a spokesperson, policy advocate, and experienced practitioner, he collaborates with private and public sector employers and partners locally, nationally, and internationally, including Community Living Ontario, Inclusion Canada, and Inclusion International. Keenan holds an MA from Carleton University, is an Ontario Certified Teacher, and enjoys kayaking and wildlife photography.

Anna Nelson is Director of Employment Supports at LiveWorkPlay, where she leads the employment team and partners with employers to create inclusive hiring opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities and autistic job seekers. Much of her work focuses on LiveWorkPlay’s partnership with the federal public service, which has supported more than 50 indeterminate hires across more than 40 departments and continues to grow. Anna has held leadership roles in the developmental services sector in Toronto, Ottawa, and Thunder Bay. She holds a Master of Education in Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies, which continues to shape her approach to building inclusive workplaces. Outside of work, she enjoys cross country skiing, trail running, and canoeing in the woods.

Host

Dan Samosh is an Assistant Professor in Employment Relation at Queen’s University and Academic Co-Lead of the IDEA Incubator Hub on Transitions to Work and Career Development.

About the IDEA Speaker Series

The IDEA Speaker Series provides an opportunity to hear guest speakers talk about their efforts to create stronger and more diverse labour markets that include persons with disabilities.