The 2022 New Zealand Employers’ Network ‘Disability Inclusive Pathways’ Conference is over, but the work is not. Thank you to the 120 business leaders, diversity and human resources professionals, industry experts and influencers from the public, private and for-purpose sectors who joined us and made it a great event.
Thank you also to our amazing disability experts, experienced practitioners anddisabled people from Aotearoa and around the world who each bought a valuable perspective that sparked so much discussion and consideration from our attendees.
This year's theme, 'Unlocking True Potential' looked at how we can support and empower disabled and neurodiverse employees to be all that they are capable of being and ways to foster organisational culture of true belonging of disabled people in the workplace.
Conference dates and location
- Thursday 11th - Friday 12th August 2022
- Novotel Rotorua Lakeside
Re-imagining Recruitment - Pre-Conference Workshop
- Wednesday 10th August 2022 - 1pm to 5pm
- Novotel Rotorua Lakeside
This year we offered a highly attended half-day pre-conference round table workshop 'Re-imagining Recruitment' which provided an opportunity to look at inclusive recruitment practises that will better allow employers to tap into the wealth of talent of disabled people.
Highlights from the 2022 conference






What people said about the 2022 Conference
"Great panellists and presenters. Wonderful sense of camaraderie in the room. I left with practical information to take back to my employer."
"Thank you for putting together an amazing event. Last year I said that it was the best conference I had ever been to, but I think it was even better this year."
"(Loved) connecting with like-minded people, the workshopping and re-energising me in this work and reminding me why we do what we do."
"As someone currently without a physical disability or neurodiversity, I was humbled to be in a space where I could hear from disabled people in a safe environment."
"This was an excellent conference & I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I learned a lot from the incredible speakers & panellists."
"It was inspiring and life-changing and has given me information and steps to take to actively make my workplace more accessible to staff and customers. World class."
"It was an incredible experience. The venue, the way the days were planned, the people on the panels, and the length of the talks were all just right. I have taken away so many ideas to implement in my practice. The thing I liked most was how inclusive the entire experience felt, it was hard going back to normal life and readjusting after being in a lovely bubble surrounded by amazing, kind people who are motivated to support the disabled community."
"Fidget toys were very helpful! Probably the best work conference I've ever been to."
2022 Speakers and Facilitators

Professor Amanda Kirby MBBS MRCGP PhD
Found and Chief Executive Office, Do-IT Solutions
2022 Panelists

Angela Desmarais
Research and Development Advisor, Disabled Persons Assembly (DPA) NZ

Anne Hawker ONZM
Principal Disability Adviser, Ministry of Social Development

Ben Lucas
Lead Advisor - Disability, ACC New Zealand

Chanelle Moriah
Author & Illustrator
'I Am Autistic'

Dr Chandra Harrison
Managing Director, Access Advisors

Enya van Hulm
Lead Accessibility Network, KPMG NZ

Grant Cleland
Director Creative Solutions (Disability Consultancy) and
Past CE Workbridge

Jack Keeys
Founder Accessibility Network, KPMG

Jake Ryan
Founder Accessibility Network, KPMG

Kelvin Xu
Co-chair Westpac Accessibility EAG

Lara Draper
Senior Manager for Deaf Adults and Seniors, Deaf Aotearoa

Sandra Budd
Senior Relationship Manager, Accessibility Tick/NZDEN

Sarah Mitchell
Head Of Employment And Youth Transition, Blind And Low Vision NZ

Skye A. Rapson
Founder, ADHD Coach, and Researcher, Unconventional Organisation

Sian Winmill
Freelance Artist

Stew Sexton
Owner, AbilityDis Consulting
Photos from the 2021 conference






What people said about the 2021 Conference
"The mix of people with accessibility needs and people working with people with accessibility needs/employers (was great) - a great blend of perspectives. The range of topics covered was excellent."
"Everything was done very well! Very professionally pulled together, great speakers, great venue (and catering), great networking opportunity. All in all it was very enjoyable and gave me some great insights/resources to take back to my organisation."
"First level of accessible documentation. Great having braille of the presentations. Enjoyed the passion and commitment."
"Great speakers & content. Most inspiring people and stories. Great networking. Such nice people. Good venue. Well looked after."
"The speakers were all great, I especially liked hearing from disabled people and the struggles and successes they have had. The location was great."
"It provided specific useful information, inspirational speakers, was relevant, good contacts, national and international speakers."