08/20/2025
On October 1st, 2025, from 1pm – 5pm at the Stanley A Milner Edmonton Public Library, Goodwill is once again hosting our annual Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) event, this called “DEAM Connect presented by Goodwill Industries of Alberta.”
This year’s agenda is as follows:
From 1pm – 2pm a networking event, where people can connect with other non-profit organizations/programs or other business leaders to discuss how services can help either a business or individual.
From 2pm – 4pm speakers and performances will enlighten the attendees to be inspired by their stories.
From 4pm – 5pm post networking for those who may have not had the chance pre-show.
This year’s speakers include:
Riccardo Baldini
A concert pianist who became paralyzed and lost the ability to play the piano for many years was thrilled to make his return to the stage with the help of a technology he developed. Working with engineers, he co-developed Resonate, a tool that lets him control the foot pedals using his mouth. Recently the team has been communicating with the Glenrose Hospital Foundation’s research and innovation department about collaborating on the project.
Austin Hinchey
A cornerstone of the Canadian Men’s Sitting Volleyball Team since 2007, Hinchey has served as both captain and leader, making a profound impact on the para sport in Canada over nearly two decades of international competition.
Gina Martin
Gina Martin is a disability awareness educator living with multiple disabilities, including blindness, ADHD and epilepsy. With over 40 years of lived experience and deep roots in the disability community, Gina helps people move past discomfort and uncertainty by teaching respectful, practical strategies for inclusion.
Madison Tevlin
A co-star of Woody Harrelson the movie "Champions" Madison is an acclaimed keynote speaker, a trailblazing advocate for inclusion and Down syndrome, and a celebrated content creator. Her effortless ability to connect with audiences is praised by all who work with her. Your audience is bound to be enchanted by Madison – that’s a guarantee.
Madison Tevlin is the headliner for this event and will help drive the awareness portion for Disability Employment Awareness Month as well as Goodwill. You may recognize Madison from the Down Syndrome commercial last year: https://youtu.be/FKSjQQ8O1cA?si=tV7hDBZFtoUx1Qvm
Tickets are only $10 (not including fees) and can be ordered here:
https://www.goodwill.ab.ca/event/deam-connect/
or here:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/deam-connect-by-goodwill-industries-of-alberta-tickets-1563949297449?aff=oddtdtcreator
Feel free to share within your organization if you can. You will be guaranteed to have key takeaways that you can use in your job and/or personal life. This is a CAN’T MISS event!
Highlights from previous years DEAM event:
https://youtu.be/xxPbvN4wclk?si=DenFiiIvgAOuhgwP
Thank you all, and we look forward to seeing you all on the 1st of October.
Event: DEAM Connect Presented by Goodwill
Where: Stanley A. Milner Library – 7 Sir Winston Churchill Sq. NW, Edmonton, AB, T5J2V5 in the auditorium.
When: Wednesday, October 1st - 1pm – 5pm
Speakers: Madison Tevlin, Austin Hinchey, Gina Martin and a special performance by Riccardo Baldini
Key Takeaways: Be inspired to learn from champions in their field, understanding what it takes to find success.
Doug Roxburgh
Director of Brand Integrity and Marketing
