The 2022 New Zealand Employers’ Network ‘Disability Inclusive Pathways’ Conference offers an exceptional opportunity to connect with other organisations committed to improving disability career and inclusion outcomes. Hear from leading disability experts, experienced practitioners and people with lived experience, including inspiring international and local speakers.

Join our powerful network of business leaders, diversity and human resources professionals, industry experts and influencers from the public, private and for-purpose sectors.

This year's theme, 'Unlocking True Potential' looks 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

Re-imagining Recruitment - Pre-Conference Workshop

This year we are offering a half-day pre-conference round table workshop 'Re-imagining Recruitment' which will be an opportunity to look at inclusive recruitment practises that will better allow employers to tap into the wealth of talent of disabled people.

Register for email updates on the conference  
Get tickets now on Humanitix (external website)  

Sponsorship opportunities

We invite you to join us as a sponsor of our 2022 event. We have four sponsorship options with limited availability. Early confirmation of your sponsorship will ensure a higher level of exposure.

Find our more about becoming a sponsor  

Early release speaker line-up

A woman with brown curly hair looks at the camera with a smile. She is Susan Scott-Parker.

Susan Scott-Parker
OBE HonD

Founder, business disability international

Susan Scott-Parker is an internationally recognised thought leader who has made a career from challenging outdated assumptions regarding both disability as it affects business and the potential of responsible business to adapt respectfully for human reality.

   About Susan
Thea is wearing a burgundy sweater and white floral blouse. Her short silver hair is parted to the left side and she is smiling warmly at the camera

Thea Kurdi

President of DesignABLE Environments Inc.

Thea has 20 plus years of experience in barrier-free and universal design for architectural projects of varying size and complexity.

   About Thea
A white caucasian lady with short brown hair smiling.

Annamarie Jamieson

People and Culture Director, Stuff NZ

Annamarie launched and implemented the award-winning Creative Spirit programme, which gives young adults with intellectual disabilities a chance to contribute to society in a meaningful way. This was followed by The Coffee CO-OP, Stuff’s Auckland office cafe, which is staffed by deaf baristas.

   About Annamarie
A white caucasian lady with short brown hair wearing a red and black dress with a white pearl necklace.

Professor Amanda Kirby MBBS MRCGP PhD

Found and Chief Executive Office, Do-IT Solutions

Amanda is an internationally renowned expert in neurodiversity and is the found and CEO of Do-IT Solutions. An emeritus professor at the University of South Wales and honorary profess at Cardiff University.

   About Amanda

Photos from the 2021 conference

NZ Disability Rights Commissioner Paula Tesoriero MNZM speaks to delegates from the stage at the 2021 NZDEN Disability Inclusive Pathways conference
Keynote speaker at the 2021 NZDEN Disability Inclusive Pathways conference, NZ Disability Rights Commissioner Paula Tesoriero MNZM, speaks to delegates from the stage. The title of her presentation is 'Getting this Right Counts'.
A panel of disabled people sit on seats on the stage. The topic for this panel is 'Finding a job - the good, the bad and the ugly'
A panel of disabled people sit on seats on the stage. The topic for this panel is 'Finding a job - the good, the bad and the ugly'
Callum McKirdy presenting at the 2021 NZDEN Disability Pathways Conference
Callum McKirdy presenting on Harnessing the Power of Neurodiversity in our Workplaces' at the 2021 NZDEN Disability Pathways Conference
Three people having a discussion in NZ Sign Langugage at the NZDEN Disability Inclusive Pathways conference 2021
Three people engaged in conversation using NZ sign language NZDEN Disability Inclusive Pathways conference 2021
Table of delegates engage in discussion around a table at the 2021 NZDEN Disability Inclusive Pathways conference
A round table of delegates from various organisations engage in discussion around a table at the 2021 NZDEN Disability Inclusive Pathways conference
Table of delegates at the 2021 NZDEN Disability Inclusive Pathways conference. One person is interpreting the conversation using NZ Sign Language.
Table of delegates at the 2021 NZDEN Disability Inclusive Pathways conference. One person is interpreting the conversation using NZ Sign Language. On stage presenting is 'That Blind Woman' Julie Woods.

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."

2022 Disability Inclusive
Pathways Conference

'Unlocking Full Potential'

10 August - Pre-conference workshop
11-12 August - Conference
Novotel Lakeside Rotorua