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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March of Dimes Canada
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Association of Municipal Administrators Nova Scotia (AMANS)
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Town of Truro
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Village of Bible Hill
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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
Join us to celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. 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.
Accessibility information: Sighted guide (in-person only), ASL and captioning services will be provided. This event will be livestreamed for virtual attendance (registration required).
Ability To Rise 2026 Event
Following the tremendous success of last year’s hybrid event, which brought together over 250 attendees, this year’s celebration promises to be even more impactful.
DECEMBER 3, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Locations: Cedar Event Centre and Virtual
111 Clayton Park Drive,
Halifax, NS B3M 1M3
Registration
To ensure that everyone who wants to attend the event has the opportunity to attend, there are some guidelines.
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If the price of the ticket is a financial barrier to you or your organization, please fill out this request form. We currently use our allocated tickets for free tickets. There is a possibility that more tickets will come in closer to the registration deadline. We will return to the requests the week of the November 20th. For additional tickets, we will let you know on November 20, 2026 if there is availability. We will only let you know sooner if we are sold out. Additional tickets will be at regular price.
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Zeffy Registration Platform and Payment Information
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You are welcome to change the Zeffy donation to "Other" and put an amount your are comfortable with (including $0). This is a Zeffy's build-in feature to help keep the platform free.
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Payment options are credit card and pre-authorized debit. For pre-authorized debit, it connect your bank account with the use of Stripe. If you prefer a different payment method or run into issues, please email info@nsleo.com with your ticket admission name and the number of tickets requested and we will reserve the tickets if there is availability.
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Invoices can be requested by emailing info@nsleo.com.
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The limit per organization is one (1) table (8 seats). If you want more than 8 seats, please fill out this request form. We will inform you on Friday November 20th if there is availability to fulfill your request and the cost will be regular price.
The deadline for early bird registration is Friday October 23, 2026 at 11:59 AM AT. Early bird tickets are available until the early bird registration deadline or until all early bird tickets are sold out.
Regular registration starts at 12:00 PM AT Friday October 23, 2026 or once early bird tickets are sold out. The deadline for regular registration is Friday, November 20, 2026 or until all seats are filled.
Government and PPSBs Admission
For employees from all levels of governments and public prescribed sector bodies under the Accessibility Act. You can find more information on who is consider a public prescribed sector body here.
Government and PPSBs Admission
A table for employees from all levels of governments and public prescribed sector bodies under the Accessibility Act. You can find more information on who is consider a public prescribed sector body here.
Refunds
If you find out you are unable to attend the event, we can refund your ticket until a week before the event on Thursday, November 26, 2026. No refunds will be provided after Thursday, November 26th, 2026 unless the event is cancelled.
There is an option (and we recommend it) that you give your ticket to someone else who would be interested in attending the event and emailing info@nsleo.com the update and changes for registration.
Accessibility and Venue Information
Below are different information areas that can help understand the accessibility of the event. Please note your needs in registration including if needing the services that are provided so that we can remove and reduce as many barriers as possible.
This year, the event will be designed to be more interactive than just sitting and listening to our presenters and speakers. We are working to consider potential accessibility concerns, design the interactive elements with accessibility in mind, and have solutions available. Since some solutions require additional services and equipment considerations in advance, we have listed some accessibility needs in registration to help the process.
Services that will be provided are
-
ASL Interpreters
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Captioning
-
Sighted Guides
Venue-specific information
-
Accessible parking spots at the venue. Please note that the parking spots and access aisles are smaller than they should be.
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Table Clearance is 26.5” If you need a higher table clearance, let us know in your accessibility needs.
Event specific information
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People will be assigned by tables to ensure that accessibility and dietary needs can be accommodated.
-
Breakfast and lunch will be served plated to your tables.
-
There will be volunteers available to provide assistance when needed.
If you have any transportation barriers or concerns, please check it off as an accessibility need in the registration form and provide any additional information. We will connect with you via email closer to the event to confirm assistance, collect information and provide instructions.
Halifax Transit Information
You can find Halifax Transit schedules at www.halifax.ca/transportation/halifax-transit/routes-schedules
Closest Bus Routes to the venue: Route 3, 4, and 135 on Lacewood Dr. and Dunbrack St
Second Closest Bus Routes to the venue: Route 2, 136, 137, 138 on Willett St and Dunbrack St
It is about a 8 to 10 minutes walk from bus stops to the venue.
Volunteer With Us!
We are looking for volunteers to help make this event accessible and inclusive for all of our attendees. Are you
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Free on December 3, 2026 to come to the Cedar Event Centre?
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Interested in accessibility and disability inclusion?
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and willing to to interact and assist our attendees for a great experience?
The deadline to submit your interest and information is November 13th at 5 PM.
The event is held at
Cedar Event Centre (111 Clayton Park Dr, Halifax, NS B3M 1M3)
Time Range for Volunteers: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Time of the event: 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Different types of roles include:
Registration: Checking people in and answering any questions that people may have.
Coat Check: Tag and hang coats when arriving. Obtain coats for departure.
Washrooms: Holding doors and replenishing supplies provided by us for the event.
Directions and Assistance: Provide directions and assistance when needed/requested.
Accessibility information and assistance table: Answering questions about accessibility of the event and provide any assistance when requested
Traffic management: Ensuring that there is space to move and remove barriers when needed.
Quiet Room: Supervise in the designated quiet room
Question and Answer Microphone Runner: Moving between tables in the room with a microphone to help facilitate questions and answers from the audience.
Technology Assistance: Provide assistance with technology and minor technical issues relating to computers, tablets, or websites such as Slido.
If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to Amanda by emailing amanda@nsleo.com.
Agenda
Items and times are subjected to change.
7:30 AM
Doors Open
7:30 - 8:00 AM
Registration
8:00 - 9:00 AM
Breakfast
9:00 - 10:15 AM
Opening and Welcome
10:15 - 10:35 AM
Break / Networking
10:35 - 11:20 AM
Presentations from Speakers (Reveal with Announcement)
11:20 AM - 12:00 PM
Claredon Robicheau Lifetime Community Award and Steve Estey Legacy Award. Nominations Open until October 19th!
12:00 - 12:50 PM
Lunch
12:50 - 1:50 PM
Disability Justice in Action: A Collective Visioning Café for Nova Scotia presented by Corrie Melanson from Sea Change CoLab
1:50 - 2:35 PM
Nova Scotia Works Employer Awards
2:35 - 2:55 PM
Break / Networking
2:55 - 3:25 PM
Presentation from Speakers ((Reveal with Announcement)
3:35 - 4:20 PM
Presentations from Speakers (Reveal with Announcement)
4:20 - 4:35 PM
Closing
Speakers and Presenters
Corrie Melanson
Keynote Speaker
Corrie Melanson (she/they) is a facilitator, trainer, and learning designer based in Kjipuktuk (Halifax), Nova Scotia. She is the Strategy and Learning Lead at Sea Change CoLab, where she designs practical, high impact learning experiences that advance accessibility, equity, and inclusive employment across sectors.
Through large scale social impact initiatives, Corrie works with employers, community partners, and sector leaders to strengthen inclusive practices and build more accessible systems. Her work focuses on helping organizations move from intention to implementation by embedding Universal Design for Learning and equity considerations into workplace policies, programs, and learning strategies.
Corrie Melanson will be presenting Disability Justice in Action: A Collective Visioning Café for Nova Scotia.
Stay tuned! More about our speakers and presenters will be coming soon.
Sponsor Ability to Rise Event
Following the tremendous success of last year’s hybrid event, which brought together over 250 attendees, this year’s celebration promises to be even more impactful.
The theme for 2026 is Disability Justice: Stronger Together. This year’s celebration will reach even more Nova Scotians and amplify the stories and voices that shape our collective pursuit of human rights.
Ability to Rise is a province-wide collaboration between TEAM Work Cooperative, the Nova Scotia League for Equal Opportunities, the Nova Scotia Accessibility Directorate, CNIB, the Halifax Regional Municipality Office of Diversity
and Inclusion/African Nova Scotia Affairs Integration Office, March of Dimes Canada, the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission, Nova Scotia Works. This event is funded in part by the Government of Canada.
Together, we are building a platform that celebrates leadership, accessibility, and inclusion - showcasing the power and potential of persons with disabilities across Nova Scotia.
By sponsoring Ability to Rise, your organization demonstrates a genuine commitment to advancing disability inclusion in Nova Scotia - while connecting your brand with an audience of change-makers, employers, and community champions.
Together, we rise!
BRONZE Sponsor | $1,000
Bronze Sponsorship includes:
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Logo recognition on the event website with a direct link to your website
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Recognition in event media and communications
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Verbal recognition from the stage
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Opportunity to share your participation on social media, website, via email communications and during the event
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Opportunity to provide a give-away or promotional materials at the event
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One (1) ticket to the Ability to Rise event
SILVER Sponsor | $2,500
Silver Sponsorship includes:
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All of the benefits of Bronze, plus:
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Prominent recognition as Silver Sponsor in all event media, presentation, and promotional communications with a link to your website
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Two (2) tickets to the Ability to Rise event
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Opportunity to provide a give-away or promotional materials at each table
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Opportunity to provide a 30 second captioned video to be played during the event
GOLD Sponsor | $5,000
Gold Sponsorship includes:
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All of the benefits of Silver and Bronze, plus:
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Exclusivity within your industry
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Prominent recognition as Gold Sponsor in all event media, presentation, and promotional communications with a link to your website
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Four (4) tickets to the Ability to Rise event
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Opportunity to provide a give-away or promotional materials on each table place setting
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Opportunity to provide a 30 to 60 second captioned video to be played during the event
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Appreciation plaque presented to your company at the event
Interested in sponsoring Ability to Rise?
Contact
Marcus Jamieson
Executive Director
MJamieson@teamworkbridge.org
(+1) 902-422-8900 (ext. 109)
Ability To Rise 2026 Event
Following the tremendous success of last year’s hybrid event, which brought together over 250 attendees, this year’s celebration promises to be even more impactful.
Speaker announcements are coming soon!
DECEMBER 3, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Locations: Cedar Event Centre
111 Clayton Park Drive,
Halifax, NS B3M 1M3
Accessibility Information
ASL Interpreters, Captioning and Sighted Guide (in-person only) will be provided.
The full list of accessibility information is on our event page on Zeffy.
This event will be live streamed.
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.
Ability To Rise 2026 Event
Following the tremendous success of last year’s hybrid event, which brought together over 250 attendees, this year’s celebration promises to be even more impactful.
DECEMBER 3, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Locations: Cedar Event Centre and Virtual
111 Clayton Park Drive,
Halifax, NS B3M 1M3
Registration
To ensure that everyone who wants to attend the event has the opportunity to attend, there are some guidelines.
-
We do have free tickets available! We will also consider discounted tickets. If the price of the ticket is a financial barrier to you or your organization, please fill out this request form and we will let you know within 2 weeks (within 1 week in November).
-
If you prefer a different payment option from Zeffy, email info@nsleo.com and we will reserve your requested tickets if there is availability. Then we will send you the next steps for information and payment.
-
The limit per organization is one (1) table (8 seats). If you want more than 8 seats, please fill out this request form. We will inform you on Friday November 20th if there is availability to fulfill your request and the cost will be regular price.
The deadline for early bird registration is Friday October 23, 2026 at 11:59 AM AT. Early bird tickets are available until the early bird registration deadline or until all early bird tickets are sold out.
Regular registration starts at 12:00 PM AT Friday October 23, 2026 or once early bird tickets are sold out. The deadline for regular registration is Friday, November 20, 2026 or until all seats are filled.
Government and PPSBs Admission
For employees from all levels of governments and public prescribed sector bodies under the Accessibility Act. You can find more information on who is consider a public prescribed sector body here.
Government and PPSBs Admission
A table for employees from all levels of governments and public prescribed sector bodies under the Accessibility Act. You can find more information on who is consider a public prescribed sector body here.
Refunds
If you find out you are unable to attend the event, we can refund your ticket until a week before the event on Thursday, November 26, 2026. No refunds will be provided after Thursday, November 26th, 2026 unless the event is cancelled.
There is an option (and we recommend it) that you give your ticket to someone else who would be interested in attending the event and emailing info@nsleo.com the update and changes for registration.
Accessibility and Venue Information
Below are different information areas that can help understand the accessibility of the event. Please note your needs in registration including if needing the services that are provided so that we can remove and reduce as many barriers as possible.
This year, the event will be designed to be more interactive than just sitting and listening to our presenters and speakers. We are working to consider potential accessibility concerns, design the interactive elements with accessibility in mind, and have solutions available. Since some solutions require additional services and equipment considerations in advance, we have listed some accessibility needs in registration to help the process.
Services that will be provided are
-
ASL Interpreters
-
Captioning
-
Sighted Guides
Venue-specific information
-
Accessible parking spots at the venue. Please note that the parking spots and access aisles are smaller than they should be.
-
Table Clearance is 26.5” If you need a higher table clearance, let us know in your accessibility needs.
Event specific information
-
People will be assigned by tables to ensure that accessibility and dietary needs can be accommodated.
-
Breakfast and lunch will be served plated to your tables.
-
There will be volunteers available to provide assistance when needed.
If you have any transportation barriers or concerns, please check it off as an accessibility need in the registration form and provide any additional information. We will connect with you via email closer to the event to confirm assistance, collect information and provide instructions.
Halifax Transit Information
You can find Halifax Transit schedules at www.halifax.ca/transportation/halifax-transit/routes-schedules
Closest Bus Routes to the venue: Route 3, 4, and 135 on Lacewood Dr. and Dunbrack St
Second Closest Bus Routes to the venue: Route 2, 136, 137, 138 on Willett St and Dunbrack St
It is about a 8 to 10 minutes walk from bus stops to the venue.
Agenda
Items and times are subjected to change.
7:30 AM
7:30 - 8:30 AM
8:00 - 9:00 AM
9:00 - 10:15 AM
10:15 - 10:35 AM
10:35 - 11:20 AM
Doors Open
Registration
Breakfast
Opening and Welcome
Break / Networking
Presentations from Speakers (Reveal with Annoucement)
11:20 AM - 12:00 PM
Claredon Robicheau Lifetime Community Award and Steve Estey Legacy Award. Nominations Open until October 19th!
12:00 - 12:50 PM
12:50 - 1:50 PM
1:50 - 2:35 PM
Lunch
Presentation from Speakers (Reveal with Annoucement)
Nova Scotia Works Employer Awards
2:35 - 2:55 PM
2:55 - 3:25 PM
3:35 - 4:20 PM
Break / Networking
Presentation from Speakers (Reveal with Annoucement)
Presentations from Speakers (Reveal with Annoucement)
4:20 - 4:35 PM
Closing
Speakers and Presenters
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.
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