Event begins - Lobby, exhibit hall and interactive photo exhibit are open.

Keynote - No Greatness Without Goodness: How a Father’s Love Changed a Company and Sparked a Movement

Randy Lewis is the Founder of the NOGWOG Disability Initiative to assist businesses and communities developing and launching disability hiring programs. As Walgreens Senior Vice President of Supply Chain & Logistics, he pioneered a model that resulted in a more inclusive and effective workforce for the company, improved the wellbeing of the surrounding community, and has had a positive impact for all those involved, with and without disabilities. Today, almost 20% of Walgreens logistics workforce is composed of people with disabilities who perform the same jobs, earn the same pay and are held to the same performance standards as fellow team members.

Considered the “gold standard of disability employment” by the National Governors Association, the program has been subsequently replicated in companies both in the US and abroad including Procter & Gamble, UPS, Lowe’s, Meijer, Marks and Spencer. Recognized as a “visionary of disability employment advocacy” domestically and internationally, Lewis is a sought after speaker on the lessons learned that apply to all business and community leaders who seek to make a difference.

Lessons Learned from the Polaris Enterprise Pilot Project (Industry-based ASD Adult Education and Employment Initiative)

Various stakeholders from Giant Steps, Polaris Enterprise Program, Loblaw Companies Ltd, Wagar Adult Education Centre and Transforming Autism Care Consortium

Embracing Neurodiversity at Work

Improving Employment Outcomes for Autistic Individuals