The OPSEU/SEFPO Disability Rights Caucus invites you to submit your application to attend the inaugural 2025 Persons with Disabilities Conference, taking place from September 12 to 14, 2025, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Toronto Airport West.
The conference theme is: “Breaking Accessibility Barriers: Disability is a Superpower.”
This momentous event marks the first-ever conference organized by the Disability Rights Caucus. It aims to build awareness, support advocacy efforts, and challenge the persistent myths and stigmas surrounding disability. The conference will focus on promoting workplace accessibility and inclusion, empowering workers with disabilities, and strengthening solidarity within OPSEU/SEFPO and across the broader labour movement.
Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive space for OPSEU/SEFPO members with disabilities to:
- Share knowledge and lived experiences;
- Voice concerns and advocate for change;
- Build allyship and representation within the union; and
- Explore the union’s role as a strong and committed ally to members with disabilities.
Participants will engage in dynamic workshops and discussions designed to educate union members and leaders about disability rights and advocacy. Together, we will challenge stereotypes, promote equity, and deepen our collective commitment to building a truly inclusive union and workplace.
Participants will be selected by the Disability Rights Caucus with support from the Member Equity Unit. The selection process aims to achieve a diverse and representative group reflective of members living with disabilities and other equity-seeking groups within OPSEU/SEFPO. Confirmations will be issued by late July or early August. All approved expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with OPSEU/SEFPO policy.
Join us in this important step toward breaking down accessibility barriers and empowering one another. Together, we’ll harness disability as a superpower—and strengthen our union through solidarity, representation, and advocacy.
Please submit your completed application by completing the online form or via e-mail to equity@opseu.org no later than noon, Tuesday July 29, 2025. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
In Solidarity,
OPSEU/SEFPO Disability Rights Caucus
Authorized for distribution by OPSEU/SEFPO President JP Hornick
Tentative Agenda – Breaking Accessibility Barriers: Disability is a Superpower
Friday, Sept. 12, 2025
4 to 7 pm – Registration (dinner on your own)
6 pm – Smudging Ceremony
7 to 7:30 pm
- Land Acknowledgement, Statement of Respect, Welcome, Conference Logistics,
- Meet the DRC, Card Game Briefing
7:30 to 9 pm – Doc & Talk: Documentary with guest speaker
Saturday, September 13, 2025
8 to 9 am – Breakfast (not provided), Registration Re-opens
9 to 9:15 am – Welcome, Conference Logistics, Morning Announcements
9:15 to 9:30 am
- OPSEU/SEFPO President JP Hornick
- OPSEU/SEFPO First Vice-President/Treasurer, Laurie Nancekivell
- Conference Opening Remarks
9:30 to 10:30 am – Guest Speaker #1 (Keynote)
10:30 to 11 am – Break
11 to 12 pm – Session Skills Training – AODA
12 to 1:15 pm – Lunch (not provided)
1:15 to 1:30 pm – Chair Stretch
1:30 to 2:30 pm – Skill Training Workshop by DRC Members
2:30 to 3 pm – Break
3 to 4:30 pm – Panel Session on Disability and the Workplace – Multiple Guest Speakers
4:30 pm – Wrap-up and adjourn, Dinner (not provided)
7 to 8:30 pm – Evening Entertainment
Sunday, September 14, 2025
7:30 to 9 am – Breakfast (not provided)
9 to 9:15 am – Energizer, Morning Announcements
9:15 to 10:15 am – Guest Speaker # 2
10:15 to 10:30 am – Break
10:30 to 11:30 am – Interactive Panel: What is your Superpower?
11:30 to 12 pm – Closing Ceremony, Wrap-Up, Evaluation Reminder, and Traveling Song
12 pm Adjournment
Application and forms
Applications are now closed.