Defence Team International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Debunking myths – highlighting systemic and attitudinal barriers in the Defence Team

Each year, International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is celebrated to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities (PwDs) while shining a light on the systemic, attitudinal, and physical barriers individuals face.

To learn more about the importance of this day and accessibility at the Department of National Defence (DND) and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), please read a message from our Defence Team Accessibility co-Champions.

Join the conversation on December 2nd in two ways

Hosted by the Defence Team Accessibility Office, there will a panel discussion and virtual kiosk fair with important perspectives and information.

Defence Team IDPD Hybrid Panel Discussion:

When: Monday, December 2, 2024, at 13h30 – 15h
What: Panel discussion exploring the theme of "Debunking myths – highlighting systemic and attitudinal barriers in the Defence Team"
MCs:

• Elizabeth Suen (she/her), Defence Advisory Group for Persons with Disabilities Deputy Civilian Co-Chair for the National Capital Region
• Capt Paquet (he/him), CD, Defence Advisory Group for Persons with Disabilities National Military Co-Chair

Opening and Closing Remarks:

• RAdm Olivier, Director General Culture, Chief Professional Conduct and Culture (CPCC), National Defence

Panel Moderator:

• Sherri Wilson (she/her), Director Inclusion, CPCC, National Defence, and Executive responsible for accessibility at the Defence Team

Panelists (listed alphabetical by last name):

• Gibby Armstrong (she/her), Assistant Deputy Minister Review Services, National Defence, and Civilian Champion for Persons with Disabilities
• LGen Boivin (he/him), Commander Canadian Joint Operations Command, National Defence, and CAF Champion for Persons with Disabilities (designate)
• Capt Casey (she/her), National Capital Region Defence Advisory Group for Persons with Disabilities Volunteer
• Megan Ingram (they/she), Researcher and Teaching Adjunct in the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies at Queen's University
• Sara Schnabel (she/her), Civilian Co-Chair Defence Advisory Group for Persons with Disabilities at 4 Wing Cold Lake, AB

Where:

• In-person: Building 10 cafeteria space, NDHQ Carling, 60 Moodie Drive, Ottawa
• Virtual (MS Teams): IDPD 2024 | JIPH 2024 (accessible only on the National Defence network)

How: Defence Team members are invited to join in person at NDHQ Carling, or tune in online.
Notes:

• The panel discussion will be broadcast in both official languages with the assistance of live interpretation, American Sign Language, and Langue des signes québécoise.
• For our neurodivergent participants who may require a fidget to help remain engaged, we would like to encourage you to bring a fidget tool, note pad and pen to doodle, squeeze ball, etc. as you see fit.
• There will be an event activity for both in-person and virtual participants! An information scavenger hunt as part of the panelist's responses to questions.
• Please note that the event may deal with topics that may be difficult or stressful to some audience members. Should that be the case, audience members are reminded of and encouraged to reach out to mental health and support services, which are available to DND employees and CAF members.

Defence Team IDPD Virtual Kiosk Fair:

When: Monday, December 2, 2024, all-day
What: Kiosks providing DT members with an opportunity to explore accessibility and disability inclusive resources, services, and products in a virtual setting.
Where: Virtual Kiosk (accessible only on the National Defence network)
How: Defence Team members are invited to explore select kiosks online .
Notes:

• Explore virtual kiosks related to accessibility and disability inclusion resources, services, and products.
• Kiosk information will be made available to download to all participants for future reference.

Join the IDPD public service event, hosted by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) on December 3

When: Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 13h00 – 14h30
What: IDPD public service-wide event led by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and the Canada School of Public Service
Where: Virtual, through Canada School of Public Service
How: Register here for IDPD 2024

More ways to get involved

Do you have Defence Team accessibility-related feedback that you'd like to provide? Please check out the new online process for providing feedback. We'd love to hear from you.

Are you committed to the principles of employment equity, diversity, and inclusion? Consider joining the Defence Advisory Group for Persons with Disabilities (DAGPWD). Questions or requests to join can be sent to DAGSecretariat-SecretariatGCD@forces.gc.ca.

Accessibility at the Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces

For more information about accessibility at DND/CAF and to see the plan to eliminate barriers for PwDs, please read our 2022 Corrective Defence Team Accessibility Plan.

Questions about accessibility at the DT or seeking accessibility-related resources? Contact the Defence Team Accessibility Office at P-OTG.DTAccessOffice@forces.gc.ca.