Notice Board

The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) office, in collaboration with CATALYST and Meticulon, is pleased to offer an interactive seminar on innovative approaches to working with persons with disabilities as part of Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM).

It is important to continue to build our knowledge and understanding of the innovative ways in which persons with disabilities can gain meaningful work experience. CATALYST and Meticulon are two organizations whose collaborative mission is to address the issues of unemployment and underemployment for marginalized groups.

They will share their knowledge and expertise about creating meaningful work experiences for persons with disabilities. It is their intent to provide employers and organizations the tools they need to succeed in hiring people with disabilities.

Date: October 17, 2023
Time: 1:30 – 2:45 p.m. MST
Location: SA7202 or via Zoom (https://uleth.zoom.us/j/97690102065, Meeting ID: 976 9010 2065)

Presenter Bios:
Mitch Lawson – CATALYST
Mitch Lawson is the Program Coordinator for the CATALYST program in Lethbridge, Alberta. CATALYST aims to provide opportunities for employment to people with disabilities. Mitch has 15 years of professional experience working with people with disabilities, and is a dedicated advocate and supporter of the disability community.

From 2018-2020, he served as the Chairman of the EmployUsYQL committee, he’s been a board member for the Southern Alberta Individualized Planning Association, and is a current member of the Alberta Employment First Network.

Mitch also has years of experience in Business Development and solutions-based work in the private sector – an experience which helps him view inclusive employment through the lens of the employer as well as the employee. His belief is that an employment strategy that involves hiring people of different abilities is not only beneficial in the social context, but a strategy that has significant positive impacts on businesses.

Since launching CATALYST in 2018, Mitch has seen the organization find opportunities for over 50 people with disabilities in the Lethbridge area, and has presented on Diversity, Equity13 and Inclusion to over 200 Lethbridge businesses.

Al Bhanji - METICULON
Al Bhanji, the Director of Training at Meticulon, is an authentic "people person" who harnesses his innovation, creativity, and unwavering commitment to enhance the well-being of the individuals supported by Meticulon. Al's fervor for his work is unmistakable, whether it's in securing our upcoming digital training programs, engaging in enlightening dialogues with business clients about the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion in their organizations, or crafting tailor-made training sessions for our site partners. Al doesn't just talk the talk; he walks the walk, concurrently coaching young neurodiverse adults on their journeys towards achieving their unique aspirations.

Beyond the realm of work, Al relishes precious moments with his remarkable family, which includes his wonderful wife, two young children, and two exceptional canine companions.