Canada Lights Up Purple and Blue to Show Support for Disability Inclusion in Employment 

Light It Up! For NDEAM™ unites communities, workplaces, and landmarks across the country in celebration of disability inclusive employment. 

Whitby, ON — October 9, 2025 — From the CN Tower in Toronto to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia in Victoria, communities across Canada will light up purple and blue on Thursday, October 16 for Light It Up! For NDEAM™, a national event celebrating disability inclusion, accessibility, and equitable opportunity at work. 

Now in its sixth year, Light It Up! For NDEAM™ brings together over 400 landmarks, buildings, and businesses in more than 100 communities across the country. The event is part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a month long celebration to highlight the contributions of people who have a disability and the importance of disability inclusive workplaces. 

“When we Light It Up! Together, we show what disability inclusion really is,” says Amy Widdows, CEO of the Ontario Disability Employment Network (ODEN), which leads the national initiative. “It’s more than a lighting event, it’s about lighting the path for equity, and opportunity for every person in every community.” 

Governments, businesses, and local organizations are once again taking part. The Government of Canada will illuminate 57 federal buildings across the country, and the Government of Ontario will light 15 provincial sites including the Whitney Block in Toronto. 

Familiar landmarks from coast to coast will glow purple and blue, including: 

Read the full list of locations here.

This year’s event supports ODEN’s 2025 national campaign, Inclusive Employment Across Canada: Building a Workforce Without Barriers. The campaign calls on businesses to understand inclusion as an economic advantage. Research from Accenture shows that companies prioritizing disability inclusion outperform peers with 2.6 times more net income and 25 percent higher productivity. 

“When workplaces include everyone, they perform better. It’s that simple,” says Widdows. “Disability inclusive hiring is more than compliance. It’s about community, innovation, and growth. Every time an employer removes a barrier, they make room for new talent and new possibilities.” 

Canadians can join the celebration by visiting participating landmarks, sharing photos on social media, and using the hashtags #LightItUpForNDEAM and #WorkWithoutBarriers on October 16. Communities and organizations can still register their locations here. 

Light It Up! For NDEAM™ was launched by ODEN in 2020 in collaboration with the Canadian Association for Supported Employment, MentorAbility Canada, Jobs Ability Canada, and many other provincial, regional and community-based organizations. It has since grown into a national movement of connection and continues to remind Canadians that when everyone can contribute, we all shine brighter. 

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For more information, and to arrange interviews, contact:   

Pawrnaa Perinpanayagam, Communications Strategist, ODEN pperinpanayagam@odenetwork.com 1-866-280-6336 ext.118   

ABOUT ODEN: The Ontario Disability Employment Network (ODEN), created in 2008, is a professional body of more than 140 employment service providers united to increase employment opportunities for people who have a disability. Members are from every corner of the province and support people of all disability types. Beyond Ontario, ODEN (odenetwork.com) has connections with organizations in all provinces and territories of Canada. Light It Up! For NDEAMTM is a trademark of the Ontario Disability Employment Network.