TORONTO, ON - November 28, 2014 /CNW/ - Together with Scotiabank and in partnership with the Ontario Public Service, delegates representing Canada's private, public and non-profit sectors will come together to celebrate JOIN's 11^th annual fall conference, Focus on the AODA - Through a Disability Lens.

"Our province is proud to be a leader in accessibility. We are committed to building a fair and inclusive society in Ontario where people of all abilities can contribute to the economic growth of their communities. By breaking down employment barriers and creating awareness among employers about accessibility issues, people with disabilities will have the opportunity to bring their skills and knowledge to the workplace," Honourable Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure.

In 2005 the Ontario government enacted the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), which lays out the development, implementation and enforcement of standards for accessibility. The AODA will ensure Ontarians of all abilities the opportunity to live, work and play in their communities.

"The Ontario Public Service has consistently shown its leadership in the area of accessibility, as an employer, policy maker and service provider. Our government is leading by example to build an accessible organization, and will continue to work with our partners to create a more inclusive and accessible Ontario," The Honourable David Orazietti, Minister of Government and Consumer Services.

The JOIN conference is an opportunity to support and educate delegates through sharing best practices and helping businesses understand what is required of them under the accessibility standards. Tools and resources are also provided to support businesses through Ontario's transition to being accessible by the year 2025.

"Scotiabank is proud to be the title sponsor of this conference for the sixth consecutive year. With the guidance of AODA, we can work together to break down barriers and make Ontario's workplaces inclusive and accessible for everyone. By creating positive and rewarding experiences for our employees at every stage in their career we continue to build a strong and diverse team, ensuring that our organization mirrors our customers and our communities," Islay McGlynn, Senior Vice President, Employee Experience. 

When:
December 1, 2014 
    
Where:
Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel 
123 Queen Street West 
Toronto, Ontario M5H 2M9 
    
Who:
Hon. David Orazietti, Minister of Government and Consumer Services 
Marie-France Lalonde, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure 
Michael Gottheil, Executive Chair of the Social Justice Tribunals Ontario 
Naki Osutei, Director, Public Affairs and Social Legacy, Toronto 2015 ParaPanAm Games 
Expert panelists and workshop facilitators will share best practices and experiences in the field of disability and inclusion within their organizations and in their communities.

About Ontario JOIN
Ontario JOIN is a non-profit registered charity that brings together job seekers with disabilities and employers. JOIN represents more than 29 service providers who offer employment supports to persons with disabilities. The total number of clients JOIN agencies serve is greater than a quarter of a million clients -- majority of whom are looking for meaningful employment.

About Scotiabank
Scotiabank is a leading financial services provider in over 55 countries and Canada's most international bank. Through Bright Future, our global philanthropic program, Scotiabank and its employees support causes at a grassroots level across six pillars: health, education, social services, arts and culture, environment and sports. Recognized as a leader for our charitable donations and philanthropic activities, Scotiabank has contributed on average some $50 million annually over the last five years to community causes around the world. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.