According to the “Durham Region Cultural Mapping Project Final Report”, commissioned by Economic Development and Tourism…

“The creative economy is an economy driven by ideas, innovation, knowledge, collaboration and creativity. It is an economy in which people are paid to think. Creative jobs exist across all sectors including the ‘old economy’ of manufacturing and agriculture/resource attraction.”

Local business owners invited to learn about accessibility

As part of the Durham Region Accessibility Expo, The Regional Municipality of Durham, Economic Development and Tourism Department, will be hosting a breakfast session to educate local business owners on accessibility compliance requirements.

WHEN: Thursday, June 17 from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

WHERE: Durham College/UOIT Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre, 2000 Simcoe St. N., Oshawa

WHY: The Business Breakfast event is open to business owners who want to learn more about the requirements contained in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. Under this legislation, all businesses within the Province of Ontario must take measures to provide accessible customer service to those with disabilities by Jan. 1, 2012.

NOTE: Limited seating is available. Two representatives from each business will be accommodated Kerri King Tourism Manager The Regional Municipality of Durham Economic Development and Tourism 605 Rossland Road East Level 5 PO Box 623 Whitby, ON L1N 6A3

Direct Line: 905.668.4113 ext. 2606
Fax: 905.666.6228
Toll Free: 800.413.0017

via THE ART OF TRANSITION.

Learn about the new law in Ontario called Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA).

The Accessibility Expo is the first of its kind in Durham where the Regional and local municipal Accessibility Advisory Committees have partnered with the Region of Durham Economic Development & Tourism Department to bring our community an important event on new legislation, accessibility and abilities.

Robert Pio Hajjar, a charismatic, motivational speaker, who travels widely as living proof of what is possible when you include and encourage people with intellectual disabilities.

Dr. Mark Nagler’s ambition and perseverance is told with humour that
will motivate.

Speaking from experience, Paul Rosen, Paralympic Gold Medalist & Sledge Hockey Goaltender, joins us to inspire through his story of courage.

Special performance and speaking engagement by Justin Hines… his words and music will move you.

Click here for more information

Mayor Larry O’Connor writes…

On April 16, the BEDAC – together with staff from the Durham Region Economic Development department – hosted its first event, a Social Media Boot Camp. Brock High School offered up a classroom as the prefect venue for the workshop. Thirty local businesspeople came to find out what social media is, who’s using it and how to automate their communications to take advantage of social media spaces such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.

Sue Sutcliffe, owner of ‘The Web Coach,’ shared her nine steps to a successful social media campaign, offered tips on how to manage your social media profile efficiently and tricks to make it as easy as sending an e-mail. Her presentation was so engaging that our local business owners kept her going for an extra 45 minutes.

via The Scugog Standard April 22, 2010 newspaper.

DisabilityDoorway.com is a new web portal that assists people with disabilities, or their families, by providing information on resources and services that could help improve their qualities of life in one place.  Durham Region wrote an article about it called “Durham man helps open doors to accessibility“.

What an awesome and well needed website Paul Feldman (Computing By Voice) – great idea!  Way to go DREN (Durham Region Employment Network) and DRLTB (Durham Region Local Training Board) for recognizing a good idea and working together to make it happen.

Be proud – you have made Durham Region and even better place to live, work and play. Way to go!