Edmonton In-Person Exhibit Hall & Networking Event
Date: Monday November 4, 2024
Location: The Westin Edmonton, 10135 100 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 0N7
By agreeing to attend in-person, please know there is a chance you could be filmed or photographed by our professional photographer on-site. If you have an issue with this, please do not hesitate to contact us at connectingthedots@cnib.ca
Conference Schedule
8:30 a.m. Delegate registration opens. Room: Banquet Level.
9:00 a.m. Sensory Relief Room opens – ALL DAY. Room: Chairman.
9:00 a.m. Vendor Alley opens. Room: North Foyer.
10:00 a.m. Indigenous Elder Blessing and Opening Remarks. Room: Manitoba.
10:45 a.m. Keynote Presentation: Reconsidering our Relationship to Our Visual Impairment. Room: Manitoba.
11:15 a.m. The 1 in 5 Statistic: Building Supportive Teams for Mental Health. Room: Manitoba.
11:45 a.m. Lunch Break.
12:30 p.m. Panel Discussion: Navigating the Potential of Mentorship. Room: Manitoba.
1:30 p.m. Concurrent Sessions
- CNIB Reconciliation – The Way Forward. Room: Chancellor.
- Building from CNIB’s ABCS of iOS Manual: A VoiceOver Manual for Toddlers and Beyond! Room: Consulate.
- Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). Room: Chairman.
2:00 p.m. Afternoon Break.
2:15 p.m. Panel Discussion: Robotic Guide Dogs vs. Animal Guide Dogs: The Future of Mobility Assistance. Room: Manitoba.
3:00 p.m. Afternoon Break and Meditation.
3:15 p.m. Accessible Design and Community Experience Lightning Talks – Presented by Pedesting, PAC, CNIB and IAXOV. Room: Manitoba.
4:15 p.m. Panel Discussion: Accessible Design and Community Experience. Room: Manitoba.
4:45 p.m. Closing Remarks. Room: Manitoba.
5:00 p.m. Event Close.
Evening Networking Reception: Invite Only
5:00 p.m. Networking Reception Registration Open. Room: Lobby.
5:30 p.m. Connecting the Dots Networking Reception Opens, Welcoming Remarks. Room: Centennial
5:45 p.m. Networking – Navigate and make connections. Room: Centennial
7:45 p.m. Closing Remarks. Room: Centennial
8:00 p.m. Event Close.
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Session Descriptions
Keynote Presentation: Reconsidering our Relationship to Our Visual Impairment
Our identities are shaped by many things that are out of our control, and for people with disabilities this is especially apparent. Considering this, how do we view our disability in relation to ourselves and how do we view others who live with disabilities? After a long journey of learning to embrace his visual impairment, Jonathan encourages us to reconsider our relationships with disability, whether it’s our own or others, and to explore how this can lead to empowerment and inclusivity.
Speaker: Jonathan Siesweda
Time: 10:45-11:15 a.m.
Room: Manitoba
The 1 in 5 Statistic: Building Supportive Teams for Mental Health
In Canada 1 in 5 struggles with their mental health. Mike addresses the critical need for mental health awareness and support. This keynote is structured to guide you through practical steps using science-based strategies to create a supportive and resilient environment.
Mike’s personal experiences/achievements highlight the importance of fostering inclusive communities, reducing stigma, and ensuring access to health services. He provides a roadmap for environments where everyone can thrive.
Speaker: Mike Shoreman, Athlete, Speaker, Author and Advocate
Time: 11:15-11:45 a.m.
Room: Manitoba
Panel Discussion: Navigating the Potential of Mentorship
Join moderator Melanie Burgess and a diverse panel of experts as they explore the transformative power of mentorship. The discussion will cover how mentorship can unlock new opportunities, foster career growth, and create meaningful connections. The session will include a 15-minute Q&A to engage with the panelists directly.
Moderator: Melanie Burgess, Vice President, Centralized Programs, CNIB
Panelists: Mindy Johnson, KPMG, Patrick Milne, CNIB, Chris Hylton, Callie Leshchyshyn, CNIB
Time: 12:30-1:15 p.m.
Room: Manitoba
Concurrent Sessions
Concurrent Session: CNIB Reconciliation – The Way Forward
Over the last four years, CNIB has been on a learning journey in understanding the 94 Calls to Action by the National Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and how we put those calls, into action, in our organization and for the community we serve. CNIB worked with an Indigenous consulting firm, Tawi:ne, to develop a Reconciliation Action Plan called, Reconciliation – The Way Forward. Join us for this session to learn about the work that CNIB has done so far and how we plan to continue this important work.
Speaker: Christall Beaudry, Vice President, Western Canada, CNIB
Time: 1:30-2 p.m.
Room: Chancellor Room
Concurrent Session: Building from CNIB’s ABCs of iOS Manual A VoiceOver Manual for Toddlers and Beyond!
CNIB is developing an app, ABCs of iOS, to address the technology gap for blind or low vision children under 6 years of age, to enable them to begin school as tech savvy as their sighted peers across Canada. The project is piloting an education app with games to teach digital literacy skills; providing education and hands-on technology training to caregivers; and ensuring young blind and partially sighted children are fully immersed in learning from the moment they start school.
Speaker: Monika Borchert, Manager, Early Years Digital Literacy Project, CNIB
Time: 1:30-2 p.m.
Room: Consulate Room
Concurrent Session: Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)
The RDSP is a vital but often overlooked program for Canadians with disabilities. This session covers how to qualify, apply, and maximize benefits through grants and bonds, empowering participants with key questions to ask when opening an RDSP. Discover how this program can support a secure financial future and learn how to access its full potential.
Speaker: Trish Van Sickle, Financial Services Representative, PFSL Investments & Mackenzie Investments
Time: 1:30-2 p.m.
Room: Chairman Room
Panel Discussion: Robotic Guide Dogs vs. Animal Guide Dogs: The Future of Mobility Assistance
Explore the evolving landscape of mobility assistance in this engaging panel discussion comparing robotic and traditional guide dogs. Dr. Patrick Hung from Ontario Tech University will share insights into robotics and the development of robotic guide dogs, while CNIB Board Chair and seasoned guide dog handler Robert Fenton will provide a personal perspective on traditional guide dogs. This session offers a unique look at the future possibilities and challenges in guide dog technology and training.
Moderator: Angela Bonfanti, President & CEO, CNIB
Speakers: Dr. Patrick Hung, Professor, Faculty of Business and Information Technology, Ontario Tech University, Robert Fenton, Board Chair, CNIB.
Time: 2:15-3 p.m.
Room: Manitoba
Connecting the Dots – Lightning Talks
Lightning Talk 1: Pedesting – Mobile Navigation App
Discover how the Pedesting app transforms navigation for people with disabilities, parents with strollers, and anyone seeking accessible routes. With features that highlight key amenities—like elevators, ramps, accessible washrooms, and retail stores—Pedesting makes it easy to avoid barriers and travel confidently. Join this session to explore how Pedesting’s mobile wayfinding empowers all pedestrians to navigate cities and buildings seamlessly.
Speaker: Erin Shilliday, Co-Founder, Pedesting
Time: 3:15-3:30 p.m.
Room: Manitoba
Lightning Talk 2: PAC
Speaker: Dolan Bogus, Outreach & Procurement Team Lead, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PAC).
Time: 3:30-3:45 p.m.
Room: Manitoba
Lightning Talk 3: CNIB - Get on Board: Partnership to Improve Rider Accessibility
Learn about the Fall 2023 "Get on Board" campaign and CNIB's impactful partnership with Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) to enhance transit accessibility. This session will showcase the significant strides made toward accessible public transit over the past year and highlight how municipalities and transit officials can play a crucial role in breaking down barriers. Join us to explore the importance of safe, accessible journeys and how collaboration can transform transit for everyone in Edmonton.
Speaker: Taylor Bauer, Program Lead, Awareness & Community Outreach, CNIB
Room: Manitoba
Time: 3:45-4:00 p.m.
Lightning Talk 4: IAXOV - Speech & Sight: Hyper-Personalized Technology: A Revolutionary Advantage for CNIB Members
Speaker: Lance Douglas, Founder, CEO, IAXOV
Room: Manitoba
Time: 4:00-4:15 p.m.
Panel Discussion: Accessible Design and Community Experience
Following the Lightning Talks, join our presenters for a panel discussion on Accessible Design and Community Experience. Explore how companies and innovators like Pedesting, PAC, CNIB, and Spearstone are driving change and empowering people who are blind, Deafblind or have low vision. The panel will delve into practical solutions, share insights on overcoming challenges, and discuss the evolving role of technology in creating a more inclusive world.
Moderator: Monika Enica, CNIB Access Labs
Panelists: Erin Shilliday, Dolan Bogus, Taylor Bauer, and Lance Douglas.
Room: Manitoba Room
Time: 4:15-4:45 p.m.