Defence Team International Day of Persons with Disabilities
International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is observed annually on December 3. It was established by the United Nations, to raise awareness about the challenges faced by persons with disabilities (PwDs) and to promote their full and equal participation in all aspects of society. It serves as a platform to advocate for the rights and dignity of these individuals.
For the Defence Team, IDPD is an opportunity to promote equity in our workplace, and to reaffirm our commitment to address gaps and barriers in our organization. It is a moment to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Defence Team members with disabilities to our organization and to Canada. It is also an opportunity to promote accessibility and inclusion in all aspects of the workplace.
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.
Celebrate IDPD 2025
Join the conversation on December 8th
Hosted by the Defence Team Accessibility Office, there will a hybrid panel discussion with important perspectives and information.
Defence Team IDPD Hybrid Panel Discussion
- When: Monday, December 8, 1 – 3 p.m. EST
- What: Panel discussion exploring the theme of, “Fostering a disability inclusive organization”
- Where:
- MCs:
- Gregory Adamthwaite, Local Champion for Persons with Disabilities in the National Capital Region
- Elizabeth Suen, Deputy Local Co-Chair for the Defence Advisory Group for Persons with Disabilities in the National Capital Region
Opening and closing remarks
- Opening: RAdm Olivier, Director General Culture, Chief Professional Conduct and Culture (CPCC), National Defence
- Closing: LGen Steve Boivin, Commander Canadian Joint Operations Command, CAF Champion for Persons with Disabilities
Moderator
- Gibby Armstrong, Assistant Deputy Minister (Review Services), Civilian Champion for Persons with Disabilities
Panelists
- Lieutenant (Navy) Patrick "Ricky" Boran, working as a Deputy Training Manager for the Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) within ADM(Mat)
- Master Sailor Seamus P. Bowkett, Recognized Maritime Picture and Database Manager for Regional Joint Operations Centre Pacific
- Christina Breker, Portfolio Coordinator, Assistant Deputy Minister Human Resources
- Jenn McStravick, Fleet Readiness Resource Manager, 1st Canadian Air Division Headquarters
- Bill Spruin, Project Advisor, Anti-Racism and Discrimination Secretariat, Department of Justice Canada
- Jordie Yeo, Manager, Canadian Joint Operations Command Headquarters
Notes
- The panel discussion will be broadcast in both official languages with the assistance of live interpretation, American Sign Language (ASL), and Langue des signes Québécoise (LSQ).
- For our neurodivergent participants – and anyone who finds them helpful – sensory support items will be available onsite. You are also welcome to bring your own items such as a fidget tool, note pad and pen to doodle, squeeze ball, or anything similar that helps you stay engaged.
- 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 (Accessible only on the National Defence network) and CAF members.
Public Service-wide event for IDPD
Presented by Canada School of Public Service and Shared Services Canada, this event will feature discussions on accessibility in the federal public service, with a focus on key areas such as hiring processes, the built environment, assistive technologies, and public engagement. By highlighting both current initiatives and lived experiences, the event will emphasize the importance of accessibility as an integral part of organizations.
- December 3, 2025
- 1:00 – 3:00 PM ET
- Information and registration
From Vision to Reality: Celebrating the GC Workplace Accessibility Passport Journey
Join the Office of Public Service Accessibility (OPSA) at the Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS) from 1:00 – 2:00 PM (EST) on Thursday, December 4.
At National Defence, managers can support neurodivergent public service employees and colleagues with disabilities by encouraging the use of the Government of Canada Workplace Accessibility Passport. The GC Workplace Accessibility Passport helps streamline the accommodation process by allowing employees and their managers to have conversations about barriers faced in the workplace and finding collaborative solutions to address them.
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 2024 Defence Team Accessibility Plan Progress Report.
Questions about accessibility at the DT or seeking accessibility-related resources? Contact the Defence Team Accessibility Office at DND_Accessibility-Accessibilite_MDN@forces.gc.ca.