Toronto In-Person Exhibit Hall & Networking Event
Date: Friday November 1, 2024
Location: Deloitte Canada (8 Adelaide St W #200, Toronto, ON)
Registration required.
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
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Conference Schedule
8:30 a.m. Delegate registration opens. Room: Main Lobby, Ground Floor.
9:00 a.m. Sensory Relief Room opens – ALL DAY - Room 32, 6th Floor
9:00 a.m. Vendor Alley opens. Room: 6th Floor.
10:00 a.m. Indigenous Elder Blessing and Opening Remarks. Room: MPR, 5th Floor.
10:45 a.m. Inclusive Design at Play. Room: MPR, 5th Floor.
11:30 a.m. Morning Refreshment Break. Room: MPR Lobby, 5th Floor.
11:45 a.m. Panel Discussion: Navigating the Potential of Mentorship. Room: MPR, 5th Floor.
12:45 p.m. Lunch Break. Room: MPR, 5th Floor.
1:30 p.m. Keynote Presentation: David Johnson – Paralympian (Presented by RBC and Moneris). Room: MPR, 5th Floor.
2:00 p.m. The Evolution of Recruitment. Room: MPR, 5th Floor.
2:30 p.m. Afternoon Break
2:45 p.m. Accessibility and Tech Talks – Presented by Apple, GoodMaps, Deaf AI and Ontario Tech. Room: MPR, 5th Floor.
3:45 p.m. Panel Discussion: AI & Accessibility: Enhancing Lives and Empowering Communities. Room: MPR, 5th Floor.
4:15 p.m. Afternoon Break
4:30 p.m. Mythbusting Federal Procurement. Room: MPR, 5th Floor.
4:50 p.m. The 1 in 5 Statistic: Building Supportive Teams for Mental Health. Room: MPR, 5th Floor.
5:20 p.m. Closing Remarks. Room: MPR, 5th Floor.
5:30 p.m. Event Close.
Evening Networking Reception: Invite Only
5:30 p.m. Networking Reception Registration Open. Room: MPR, 6th Floor.
6:00 p.m. Connecting the Dots Networking Reception Opens, Welcoming Remarks. Room: MPR, 6th Floor.
6:15 p.m. Networking – Navigate and make connections. Room: MPR, 6th Floor.
8:45 p.m. Closing Remarks. Room: MPR, 6th Floor.
9:00 p.m. Event Close.
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Session Descriptions
CNIB - Inclusive Design at Play
The CNIB Connecting the Dots conference opens with a collaborative discussion on inclusive play, featuring innovative technology and tools that promote equity in learning and play for children and youth who are blind or have low vision. The session will showcase updates on the Early Years Digital Literacy project, and introduce the upcoming Jetpack Initiative, a program providing students with customized assistive tools. Join us to explore how inclusive design is transforming education, digital literacy, and play, shaping a more equitable future for all.
Time: 10:45-11:30 a.m.
Room: MPR, 5th Floor.
Panel Discussion: Navigating the Potential of Mentorship
Join moderator Melanie Burgess and a diverse panel of experts from Interac, Access Now and CNIB, 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: Robin Koczerginski, Community Program Manager, AccessNow, Shenela Tavarayan, Director, Product Development, Interac Corp., Elizabeth Mohler, Outreach Coordinator, CNIB, and Patrick Milne, Vice President, People & Culture, CNIB
Time: 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Room: MPR, 5th Floor.
Keynote: David Johnson, Paralympian – Presented by RBC and Moneris
Join us for an inspiring keynote by David Johnson presented by RBC and Moneris, a Team Canada track athlete who has overcome significant challenges to excel in para-athletics. Living with only 3% vision and managing type one diabetes, David has broken barriers, including a long-standing Canadian national record in the T12 400m. A social media influencer with over 400,000 followers, he advocates for inclusivity in para-athletics and motivates others to conquer their obstacles. His story is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the limitless potential of determination and passion.
Speaker: David Johnson, Paralympian
Time: 1:30-2 p.m.
Room: MPR, 5th Floor.
Scotiabank - The Evolution of Recruitment
Explore the shift from traditional job postings to a comprehensive talent management approach that emphasizes attracting, retaining, and growing talent. This session highlights the crucial role of employer branding, candidate experience, and retention strategies in modern recruitment, focusing on building strong relationships. Learn how a holistic strategy can create a committed, thriving workforce and transform your organization's approach to talent.
Speakers: Loran Upton, DEI Manager, Global Talent Acquisition, Strategy and Programs, Scotiabank
Time: 2-2:30 p.m.
Room: MPR, 5th Floor.
Connecting the Dots – Accessibility and Tech Talks
Tech Talk 1: Apple - Accessibility Features for Vision Loss
Discover how those with vision loss can learn different ways to interact with Mac, iPhone and iPad. We’ll explore assistive technologies like Zoom, Text to Speech and Magnifier, and practice using Dictation to turn spoken words into text. Bring your device or we’ll provide one.
Speaker: Mary Lee and Jesse Marino, Apple Canada
Room: MPR, 5th Floor
Time: 2:45-3 p.m.
Tech Talk 2: GoodMaps - Discover the Independence of Accessible Indoor Wayfinding
Born out of the American Printing House for the Blind, GoodMaps has since developed a platform to provide independent personal navigation for the blind and low-vision community. Learn how this mission has evolved and how the GoodMaps platform now provides an inclusive wayfinding experience for everyone by utilizing computer vision and machine learning to create highly accurate maps that enable precise positioning.
Speaker: Kevin Kline, Community Engagement Representative, GoodMaps
Room: MPR, 5th Floor
Time: 3-3:15 p.m.
Tech Talk 3: Deaf AI - The Impact of Connecting Dots in the Entrepreneurial Journey
In this brief but powerful 10-minute talk, hear a personal story about the transformative role of connecting with like-minded people in creating meaningful value. Learn about Deaf AI's mission and its journey from day one, exploring the challenges of making an impact and the crucial support needed along the way. Discover how building connections can accelerate progress and drive positive change in society.
Speaker: Mehdi Masoumi, Founder, Deaf AI
Room: MPR, 5th Floor
Time: 3:15-3:30 p.m.
Tech Talk 4: Ontario Tech University - An Inclusive Programming Model with ChatGPT
An inclusive coding block is a pioneering Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) educational tool specifically crafted for learners with sight loss. It introduces fundamental programming concepts using a unique blend of tactile, tangible, and composable blocks with Braille. The individuals with sight loss engage in interactive activities using voice inputs and haptic feedback to create coding representations. This talk presents an inclusive programming model with ChatGPT.
Speaker: Dr. Patrick Hung, Professor, Faculty of Business and Information Technology, Ontario Tech University
Room: MPR, 5th Floor
Time: 3:30-3:45 p.m.
Panel Discussion: AI and Accessibility: Enhancing Lives and Empowering Connections
Following the Tech Talks, join our presenters for a panel discussion on the latest advancements in accessibility technology. Explore how companies and innovators like Apple, GoodMaps, Deaf AI, and Ontario Tech University 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: Angela Bonfanti, President & CEO, CNIB
Panelists: Evelyn Tichenor, Mehdi Masoumi, Dr. Patrick Hung
Room: MPR, 5th Floor
Time: 3:45-4:15 p.m.
PAC - Mythbusting Federal Procurement
Join Procurement Assistance Canada as we clear misconceptions about selling to the Government of Canada. We'll also explore ways in which the federal government is making procurement accessible and what that means for you.
Speaker: Parthiban Dhakshnamurthy, Procurement Specialist, Public Services and Procurement Canada
Time: 4:30-4:50 p.m.
Room: MPR, 5th Floor.
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: 4:50-5:20p.m.
Room: MPR, 5th Floor.