Ability to Rise
Celebrating Leaders in Disability Inclusion
LEARN MORE AND REGISTER BELOW
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.
The full list of accessibility information is on our event page on Eventbrite.
This event will be live streamed.
Registration Now Open!
Free tickets are available if cost is a barrier to attending.
Alternate payment methods, such as invoicing, can also be arranged.
For group registration, the limit of one table (8 seats) per organization. You can request additional seats and will be notified by Monday, November 24, 2025 if this is a possibility
For more information on any of the registration details, including ticket options, group registration, or payment, please email info@nsleo.com.
Agenda
Items and times are subjected to change.
7:30 AM
7:30 - 8:30 AM
8:00 - 9:00 AM
8:00 - 9:00 AM
9:00 - 9:45 AM
10:05 - 10:35 AM
10:35 - 10:50 AM
10:50 - 11:05 AM
11:05 - 11:15 AM
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
12:15 - 1:15 PM
1:00 - 1:15 PM
1:15 - 1:30 PM
1:30 - 1:45 PM
1:45 - 2:30 PM
2:30 - 3:00 PM
3:00 - 4:00 PM
4:00 - 4:10 PM
4:10 - 4:45 PM
Doors Open
Networking time
Registration
Breakfast
Opening and Welcome
Break / Networking
Presentation from the Accessibility Directorate
Claredon Robicheau Lifetime Community Award and Quality of Life Index for Persons with Disabilities Update by Sherry Costa-Lorenz
Deaf Interpreting Program from Bev Buchanan
Keynote Speaker: Mark Wafer
Lunch
Comedian Rosyln Kennery
Musical Performance by Dee Dee Austin
Presentation from Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission
NS Works Employer Awards - Department of Labour, Skills,
& Immigration rep
Break / Networking
Keynote Speaker: Spencer West
Closing
Networking time
Speakers and Presenters
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.
Otni Chinenere
Emcee
Otni is the top event host for Atlantic Canada, recognized as a vibrant and dynamic communicator, entrepreneur, and community leader based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Otni brings unmatched energy, authenticity, and professionalism to every stage she graces.
More about our speakers and presenters will be coming soon.
