NDEAM 2024 Mayoral Proclamations
Disability inclusion is driving change and becoming a key factor in business success more than ever before. Mayoral proclamations of October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month enhance the annual recognition of the valuable contributions people who have a disability make to businesses and communities. They also add strength to the call for all businesses in all communities to be strategic and intentional about inclusive hiring, because companies can drive their future success by fully embracing disability inclusion.
Burlington — Mayor Marianne Meed Ward
Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward proclaimed October 2024 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month in her city. (First-time proclamation request by ODEN)
Halton Hills — Mayor Ann Lawlor
Another first-time NDEAM proclamation! Town of Halton Hills Mayor Ann Lawlor proclaimed October 2024 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month in her town. (First-time proclamation request by ODEN)
Iqaluit, NU — Family Services Minister Margaret Nakashuk
In Nunavut, the Minister of Family Services, Margaret Nakashuk, declared October as Disability Employment Awareness Month. In her declaration, the Minister encouraged “communities, organizations and individuals across Nunavut” to “participate in events, programs, and activities that foster understanding and respect for the rights and abilities of all people.”
The NDEAM declaration was issued in four languages for the territory:
Midland, ON — Mayor Bill Gordon
This year, for the first time, Midland, ON Mayor Bill Gordon proclaimed October 2024 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
The Town of Midland is also participating in Light It Up! For NDEAM for the first time. The Town Hall will be specially illuminated purple and blue on October 17.
Newmarket, ON — Mayor John Taylor
Again this year, Newmarket, ON Mayor John Taylor has proclaimed October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
Newmarket is also participating in Light It Up! For NDEAM again this year. The Town is illuminating the Fred A. Lundy Bridge and Riverwalk Commons purple and blue on October 17. Newmarket has participated previously, in 2020, 2021 and 2023.
North Bay, ON — Mayor Peter Chirico
North Bay Mayor Peter Chirico has proclaimed October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) in the City.
The new North Bay and Area NDEAM Committee met with the mayor in late September. The Committee is made up of representatives from several organizations, all working together to promote Light It Up! for NDEAM and the importance of NDEAM and disability-inclusive hiring:
- Community Living North Bay
- YES Employment
- PHARA
- North Bay and District Chamber of Commerce
- March of Dimes Canada
- District of Nipissing Social Services Board
- Canadore College
- Nipissing University and Nipissing University Student Union
- Collège Boréal Employment Options
Toronto — Mayor Olivia Chow
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow has again this year proclaimed October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month in the province’s capital city.
NDEAM has been proclaimed in Toronto every year since 2019, when ODEN started requesting mayoral proclamations as part of our annual NDEAM campaign.
The City of Toronto has also supported Light It Up! For NDEAM since the event began in 2020.
Do you have a Mayoral proclamation/recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month to share?
Let us know. We want to share and highlight your disability inclusion success stories, including Mayoral recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month!
Send us a PDF copy of your community’s NDEAM 2022 proclamation to have it added to this page.
Check back often — we’ll be adding proclamations as they’re received!