Mayor Olivia Chow Proclaims October NDEAM in Toronto; Calling on Toronto Businesses to Become Workplaces Without Barriers 

Toronto, ON — October 3, 2025 — Mayor Olivia Chow has proclaimed October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) in Toronto, Canada’s largest city and home to the third-largest labour force in North America, underscoring the importance of disability inclusive workplaces in one of the world’s top destinations for global talent. 

“By embedding accessibility and universal design principles at all stages of employment, talented workers [who have] disabilities can thrive and contribute fully to their workplaces,” the proclamation states. In a city that drives Canada’s economy, barriers to employment hold back both people and businesses. 

The proclamation aligns with the Ontario Disability Employment Network’s (ODEN) 2025 NDEAM campaign, Inclusive Employment Across Canada: Building a Workforce Without Barriers. More than one in four Canadians, over eight million people, identify as having a disability. For employers, disability inclusion is about competitiveness and growth. 

“Toronto is home to more than 86,000 businesses, from small enterprises to global leaders,” says Amy Widdows, CEO of ODEN. “This proclamation is more than symbolic. It’s an opportunity for every Toronto employer to understand disability inclusion as an advantage in a fragile economy. Inclusive workplaces drive retention, innovation, and resilience, outcomes every business needs right now.” 

As part of this recognition, Toronto landmarks will join Light It Up! For NDEAM™ on October 16th, illuminating in purple and blue as part of a coast-to-coast movement to spark conversations about disability inclusion in employment. Toronto locations include: 

This national campaign highlights that 67% of Canadians who have disabilities report facing barriers before they are even hired, and 74% experience barriers once in the workplace (Statistics Canada, 2024). Closing the disability employment gap by just one-third could add $50 billion to Canada’s GDP by 2030 (TD Economics, 2019). 

NDEAM has been officially recognized in Canada since 2010, with municipalities across the country issuing proclamations each October. Toronto’s participation underscores the importance of engaging both governments and businesses in building inclusive communities. 

“Every proclamation and every building lit sends a message,” Widdows concludes. “Toronto is stronger when everyone has the opportunity to contribute. This October, we’re asking businesses to consider how they can start building a workforce without barriers.” 

-30- 

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.