Lunch & Learn: Supporting Newcomers with Disabilities

Join us in our series of free lunchtime talks about social issues and learn about diverse ways to help create a community in which all people are full and valued participants!

When: Wednesday, June 15, 2022, @ noon!

Speaker: Mahenaz Layton, Community Outreach Worker

Summary: When newcomers and refugees come to Canada, a number of supports are necessary as part of their settlement process. This is especially prescient for those who live with a disability. While the Government of Canada has taken measures to reduce barriers for immigrants with a disability, there are still strong systemic and attitudinal biases that persist.

Many of these newcomers experience cultural shame and stigma about disclosing their permanent or temporary disabilities, which means they are often excluded from realising their full potential, and accessing all the supports and services available to them. In addition, all newcomers suffer from increased anxiety and depression after immigration.

For this Lunch and Learn event, we will learn about EmployAbilities’ programs available for newcomers with disabilities, which is designed to give them a measure of comfort and confidence to request supports from employers and meaningfully contribute in the workplace and in their communities.

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The strength of our voice is dependent on the support of people and organizations concerned about social issues; people like you! The Edmonton Social Planning Council is a non-profit registered charity that is funded by personal donations, memberships, and project funders. If you would like to be more involved, please consider a membership, donation or becoming a volunteer.

We’re also pleased to open up our Lunch and Learn sessions to other non-profits as a way of introducing agencies and their incredible programs and services to other community members. For those interested in participating, we would love to host you at a future event. Please direct any inquiries to reception@edmontonsocialplanning.ca