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Inclusive Workplaces Summit: Embracing diversities and disabilities, breaking taboos

Aurora50’s Inclusive Workplaces Summit aims to highlight best practices, share valuable insights and inspire innovative approaches to integrating and supporting People with Disabilities (PODs) and their support system providers in the workplace.

It brings together industry leaders, government representatives, POD professionals, diversity and inclusion advocates, employees who are parents of PODs, and individuals dedicated to fostering inclusive workplaces.

This three-day event will take place at Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, Abu Dhabi, in November 2024.

Interested in sponsoring

What to expect at the Inclusive Workplaces Summit

Inclusive Workplaces Summit - our focus

The conference will explore two critical areas of inclusivity:

Employing People with Disabilities (PODs)

  • Best practices for hiring and integrating PODs into the workforce
  • Success stories from companies leading in disability inclusion
  • Legal and regulatory frameworks supporting POD employment
  • Innovative tools and technologies to aid PODs in the workplace

How businesses and managers can support employees who are parents or close relatives of PODs

Why partner with us?

Visibility and recognition

  • Showcase your commitment to diversity and inclusion to a wide audience.

Networking opportunities

Brand association

Impactful contribution

Interested in sponsoring

Championing people of determination: Our esteemed 2024 Summit sponsors

Headline Sponsors

Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination

Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination

Topland

Topland
Interested in sponsoring

Our esteemed Summit partners

Inclusive Workplaces Summit - advisory board

The conference agenda will be carefully considered with the support and advice of the Conference Advisory Board and will largely include People of Determination in its organisation and delivery.

Agenda - Inclusive Workplaces Summit

Time Session
Day 1
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM Registration and welcome coffee
9:00 AM - 9:15 AM Opening remarks:
Introduction to the conference theme, the importance of inclusive workplaces and welcoming remarks from the organising committee.
9:15 AM - 9:45 AM Keynote presentation: Disability inclusion & global and UAE perspectives
  • Overview of global and UAE-specific statistics on People of Determination (PODs)
  • Discussion on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to disability inclusion
  • Insights into UAE government visions and policies on disability inclusion
9:45 AM - 10:45 AM Panel discussion: Leading the way in inclusion and accessibility
Showcasing successful initiatives and projects in the inclusion and accessibility sector.
10:45 AM - 11:30 AM Guided tour: Inclusive practices in action
A tour around Zayed Higher Organization for people of determination and their different departments employing PODs, highlighting practical implementations of inclusive practices.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM Lunch break
Enjoy a networking lunch with fellow attendees.
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Inspirational fireside chat: Stories of success
Personal success stories and impactful journeys of inclusion.
1:30 PM - 2:00 PM Keynote speech: The importance of collaboration and lifelong support
  • Early detection
  • Educational support
  • Socialisation as a strong inclusion tool
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM Innovation lounge: Exploring new frontiers in Inclusion
  • Refreshments and networking
  • Explore innovative POD inclusion ideas in education and social life, presented by trained students from various schools and universities who collaborated on the project
Interactive experience: Immersive reality room
  • Explore up to 3,000 different scenes in a sensory-rich environment
  • Gain a deeper understanding of the sensibilities of PODs and the potential impact of sensory rooms in various settings
*Attendees will be divided in two groups, and switch after 25min.
2:45 PM - 3:00 PM Keynote speech: Limitation is a non-existent term
  • Inspiring story by a POD breaking the limits and doing the 'impossible'
3:00 PM Closing remarks for Day 1
Day 2
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM Registration and morning coffee
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM Fireside chat: Shaping the future of employment for PODs
An insightful presentation addressing employment challenges, innovations and breaking taboos in the workplace for People of Determination (PODs).
9:30 AM - 10:15 AM Panel discussion: Navigating employment challenges for PODs - acquired disabilities
A deep dive into the obstacles and opportunities in the employment sector for PODs, including support systems, government initiatives and best practices.
10:15 AM - 10:45 AM Fireside chat: Returning to work after acquired disability
  • Challenges in returning to work, or reskilling due to being disabled to perform the same job
  • How can companies support their employees with acquired disabilities
10:45 AM - 11:30 AM Voices of PODs: Personal challenges and triumphs
PODs share their personal stories highlighting the challenges they've faced and their experiences in the workplace.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM Lunch break
A chance to relax and network with other attendees over lunch or visit the Innovation lounge and learn about new ways of inclusion.
12:30 PM - 2:30 PM Focus group sessions: Breaking taboos, exploring employment possibilities
  • Small group awareness sessions on specific disabilities or challenges
  • PODs and company representatives sharing about potential contributions
  • Exploration of employment possibilities and benefits for companies
Focus groups:
  1. Understanding mental disabilities, autism spectrum
  2. Neurodevelopmental disorder (Down syndrome, Learning disabilities, ADHD)
  3. Physical disabilities
  4. Acquired disabilities
  5. Impairment in vision and hearing
Focus groups will be limited to 10 attendees and will run for 30 minutes each. Participants can switch groups every 30 minutes to broaden their knowledge.
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM Accessibility and inclusion of workspaces
After learning about different disabilities through focus groups company representatives will be able to understand the practical implementation of accessibility and inclusion:
  • Best practices
  • Accessibility investment
  • ROIs
3:00 PM Closing remarks for Day 2
Wrap-up and summary of key takeaways from the day's sessions.
Day 3
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM Registration and welcome coffee
9:00 AM - 9:15 AM Inspiring speech: Best buddies initiative: social life of PODs, their caregivers and support system
  • Presenters: professional in social life, parent, POD
  • Focus of the session is on inclusive social life for PODs from young age while raising awareness and providing training to youth society
9:15 AM - 10:00 AM Panel discussion: Understanding different needs, support system for employees, parents of PODs
A focus on recognising and supporting employees who are parents or close relatives of PODs, emphasising their crucial role in the support system, and daily needs and challenges that may be different from other employees.
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Fireside chat: Inclusive workplaces, supporting employees
  • Best practices
  • Defining needs and possibilities
  • ROIs
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM Exploring support mechanisms: Preparing PODs for employment
  • Discussion on the essential role of educational institutions in preparing PODs for the workforce
  • New inclusive policies, best practices
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Panel discussion: Inclusive employment ecosystem
The ecosystem of employment of PODs: panellists' experience, insights and practical advice on where to start.
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM Lunch break
An opportunity to relax and network with other attendees over lunch, and explore innovative inclusive education and social life ideas by visiting the Innovation lounge.
12:45 PM - 1:45 PM Panel discussion: Education challenges and support for PODs
A conversation on the challenges faced by PODs in the education system and how these impact their future employment opportunities.
1:45 PM - 2:15 PM Site visit to the inclusive classroom
Attendees will have a guided tour through the built-in inclusive classroom.
2:15 PM - 2:45 PM Immersive reality room experience
A unique opportunity for PODs and their parents to explore the Immersive Reality Room and gain a deeper understanding of the sensory experiences of PODs.
2:45 PM - 3:00 PM Closing remarks and networking opportunity
Wrap-up of the conference and a final chance to network with fellow attendees.
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM Optional (based on prior registration): Practical insights for Parents and PODs
Participants can join specialised workshop for Parents and PODs, delivered by an occupational therapist.