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, 2026.
This full-day hybrid 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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Association of Municipal Administrators Nova Scotia (AMANS)
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March of Dimes Canada
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Nova Scotia Health
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and the Nova Scotia Works,
Together, we are building a platform that celebrates leadership, accessibility, and inclusion —showcasing the power and potential of persons with disabilities across Nova Scotia.
SAVE THE DATE
Thursday, December 3, 2026
The next Ability to Rise: Celebrating Leaders in Disability Inclusion Celebration is
Cedar Event Centre
111 Clayton Park Drive,
Halifax, NS B3M 1M3
Check back in late summer for 2026 event information.
Call for Presentations
We invite you to submit recommendations for speakers and topics for our 2026 Ability to Rise: Celebrating Leaders in Disability Inclusion event. We are looking for 45, 30, or 15 minute presentations that highlight the theme “Disability Justice: Stronger Together.” Learn more about our theme here.
Ability to Rise is a celebration in recognition of the United Nations’ International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This full-day 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.
Formats could include:
Keynote: A speech that convey the theme of the event including a Q&A session
Presentation: Speaking about a specific topic relating to the theme with a power point presentation
Interactive Demonstrations: Presenters showcase a concept, tool, technique
with frequent pauses for live Q&A.
Panel Presentation: Group presentation with up to 3 panellists (and 1 moderator) sharing their different perspectives on various subjects.
Other Session Types: Have something different in mind? We are open to creative ideas, tell us your ideas!
Submission deadline: June 22, 2026
If accepted, the following deadlines will apply:
Revised Presentation Description (if required): August 28, 2026
Headshot Submission Deadline: August 28, 2026
Draft Materials Submission Deadline: October 2, 2026
Final Materials Submission Deadline: November 13, 2026
Our timeline for selection
Reviewing Submissions Period: May 21 - July 17, 2026
Contact the Result of Your Submission: By July 24, 2026
Disclaimer: While this call for presentations is specifically for Ability to Rise 2026, there may be opportunities to connect to other awareness events with our partners in the future.
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.
In-person registration is now closed!
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
10:00 - 10:30 AM
10:30 - 10:50 AM
10:50 - 11:05 AM
11:05 - 11:15 AM
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
12:15 - 1:15 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 Buffet with standup set from Rosyln Kennery and musical performance from DeeDee Austin
1:30 - 2:30 PM
2:30 - 3:00 PM
3:00 - 4:00 PM
4:00 - 4:10 PM
4:10 - 4:45 PM
Nova Scotia Works Employer Awards
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.
