Ability to Rise
Celebrating Leaders in Disability Inclusion
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Introducing Ability to Rise
Welcome to the Ability to Rise: Celebrating Leaders in Disability Inclusion Celebration in recognition of the United Nations’ International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3, 2025.
This inspiring event features motivational speakers, engaging presentations, live performances, awards ceremonies, great food, and meaningful networking opportunities. It’s a space where employers, community leaders, and advocates come together to recognize progress, share stories, and reaffirm their commitment to accessibility and inclusion in our workplaces and communities.
Ability to Rise is a province-wide collaboration between
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Government of Nova Scotia Department of Justice’s Accessibility Directorate,
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Halifax Regional Municipality’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion/ANSAIO,
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and the Disability Partnership.
Together, we are building a platform that celebrates leadership, accessibility, and inclusion —showcasing the power and potential of persons with disabilities across Nova Scotia.
Ability To Rise 2025 Event
Following the tremendous success of last year’s inaugural event, which brought together over 270 attendees, this year’s celebration promises to be even more impactful. This year’s exciting event is featuring keynote speakers Spencer West, Mark Wafer, and musical guest Dee Dee Austin.
DECEMBER 3, 2025
Time: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Locations: Cedar Event Centre
111 Clayton Park Drive,
Halifax, NS B3M 1M3
Accessibility Information.
ASL Interpreters, CART, and Sighted Guide (in-person only) will be provided.
This event will be live streamed.
Spencer West
Keynote Speaker
Global Speaker, Disabled Content Creator, Author, Entrepreneur, Actor
Spencer West will ignite the room with a breathtaking journey of resilience — from losing his legs at age 5 to summiting Kilimanjaro on his hands and wheelchair — showing us how to redefine possible in our own lives.
Mark Wafer
Keynote Speaker
Former President & CEO of Abilities Canada
Mark Wafer, a business leader and inclusion pioneer, will share how he empowered hundreds of employees with disabilities across his Tim Hortons franchises — turning accessibility into innovation and profit.
Dee Dee Austin
Musical Guest
Singer
DeeDee Austin, the East Coast’s rising star, moves hearts and minds — her Golden Buzzer moment on Canada’s Got Talent catapulted her into national acclaim, and her soulful voice continues to uplift and inspire.
