Nova Scotia League for Equal Opportunities |1 Week Left to Register for In-Person Tickets | Ability to Rise: Celebrating Leaders in Disability Inclusion 2025

Our second annual Ability to Rise: Celebrating Leaders in Disability Inclusion Celebration in recognition of the United Nations’ International Day for Persons with Disabilities is on December 3, 2025 at Cedar Event Centre from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM.

Check out our amazing speakers and performers that will be at Ability to Rise on December 3rd.

Spencer West
Keynote Speaker | 3:00 - 4:00 PM

The life of visionary and activist Spencer West has been marked by both obstacles and triumph. After losing both legs from the pelvis down at the age of five he entered a world that might have easily defeated him. Instead, he tackled challenge after challenge, learning to navigate in a world set against those with disabilities.

As a renowned global keynote speaker, content creator, and activist, Spencer West leaves an indelible mark. Notable achievements include summiting Mount Kilimanjaro on his hands and wheelchair, opening for Demi Lovato on a World Tour, and starring in the documentary "Redefine Possible: The Story of Spencer West" a Toronto International Film Festival debut. His bestselling book, "Standing Tall: My Journey" showcases his resilience, his re-occurring special guest appearances as “Spencer, the window washer” on the Canadian television drama series Murdoch Mysteries, underscore his diverse talents. He is named one of Toronto’s Top Ten Influencers of 2025 by the Toronto Star for his advocacy work across Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

Spencer's enduring message instills hope, empowers leaders, and motivates others to create a world where redefining possible is not just a goal but a way of life.

Come watch Spencer West live in person and virtually on December 3rd!

Mark Wafer
Keynote Speaker | 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM

Mark Wafer is the former President and CEO of Abilities Canada, a fully inclusive sports complex and inclusion incubator. Until recently he was the owner of 14 successful Tim Hortons Restaurants in Toronto.

Mark is an internationally recognized expert on the economics of inclusion. He is an advisor to both the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario, he is responsible for Canada’s national disability employment strategy as well as the reform of basic income for Canada’s disabled. He is also an Honorary Canadian Citizenship officiant.

Mark and his wife Valarie are best known for their restaurants hiring practices with almost 250 workers with disabilities employed over 25 years. Mark has received many awards and recognition for his work most notably from her majesty Queen Elizabeth II. He was inducted into the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame in 2014.

A prolific connector of people, Mark has raised over $100 Million in the disability and broader non-profit sector. He is also a race car driver and a 2008 Canadian historic sports car champion

Come watch Mark Wafer in person and virtually on December 3rd!

DeeDee Austin
Musical Guest | 1:30 - 1:45 PM

DeeDee Austin, an 19-year-old Indigenous Pop Powerhouse and sister of the Abegweit First Nation on PEI. DeeDee, who you could call a hybrid artist embraces the contemporary and traditional Indigenous music which she creates and implements into each one of her infectious high energy performances. DeeDee’s authentic songwriting continues to bring her recognition in Atlantic Canada and is gaining momentum across the Nation and is no stranger to entertaining crowds of 10 thousand plus! DeeDee currently sat on the 2024 JUNOS event committee as part of the Local JUNOs team as a voice representing young emerging artists, youth, local artists and the Mi’kmaq culture.

DeeDee, with a combined total of 20 awards and nominations, has been a staple in the East Coast music scene since 2021 and has currently garnered Howie Mandel's GOLDEN BUZZER on season 4 of Canada's Got Talent, CBC Searchlight Outstanding Indigenous Artist along with Music Nova Scotia's 2024 Indigenous Artist of the Year, has recently been nominated for ECMA Indigenous Artist of the Year 2025, ECMA Dance Recording of the Year 2024 and Fans Choice Video of the Year 2024.

DeeDee’s goal is to touch the hearts of her listeners and to consistently strive to make change in the world we live by coming together as one with love, peace, equality and friendship being the forefront.

Come watch DeeDee Austin perform live in person and virtually on December 3rd!

Otni Chinenere
Emcee | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Otni is the top event host for Atlantic Canada, recognized as a vibrant and dynamic communicator, entrepreneur, and community leader based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Otni brings unmatched energy, authenticity, and professionalism to every stage she graces.

With nearly a decade of experience hosting events and moderating impactful discussions, Otni has facilitated powerful events and panels across a wide range of industries and topics—from entrepreneurship and diversity to leadership and culture.

Bringing a background in business and entrepreneurship, communications and culture Otni seamlessly blends charisma with substance—making her the go-to host for corporate panels, community events, and everything in between.

Looking forward to Otni Chinenere guiding the event in person and virtually on December 3rd!

Roslyn Kennery
Comedian | 1:15 - 1:30 PM

Roslyn Kennery is a part-time comedian and a full-time trans woman. She has performed improv and standup across the country, finding joy in her lived experience as a trans person who came out well into her 30s (juggling parenting, a mortgage, and a second puberty all at the same time)

Roslyn is available for corporate and nonprofit bookings. She also would like to be invited to your bridal shower, but will not attend.

You can follow her on Instagram @ Roz Against The Machine.

Come watch Roslyn Kennery provide us some laughs live in person and virtually on December 3rd!

Come join us at Ability to Rise: Celebrating Leaders in Disability Inclusion Celebration in recognition of the United Nations’ International Day for Persons with Disabilities

Date: December 3, 2025
Time: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Location: Cedar Event Centre
Format: In-Person and Livestreamed
Accessibility: We have ASL interpreters, CART (captioning), sighted guides, and wheelchair accessible venue for the event. For more information on accessibility, read more in the "About" section on our Eventbrite page.

Registration Information

Tickets Costs
Virtual Admission - Free
Single Admission (Non-Profit) - CA$100.00 plus taxes
Single Admission - CA$150.00 plus taxes
Table of Eight (Non-Profit) - CA$800.00 plus taxes
Table of Eight - CA$1000.00 plus taxes

• Free tickets are available if cost is a barrier to attending.
• Alternate payment methods, such as invoicing, can also be arranged.
• For group registration, the limit of one table (8 seats) per organization. You can request additional seats and will be notified by Monday, November 24, 2025 if this is a possibility

For more information on any of the registration details, including ticket options, group registration, or payment, please email info@nsleo.com.

Registration deadline for in-person attendance is Monday, November 24, 2025, or until all seats are filled.

Register Now

Thank you to our partners for their commitment to helping celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities with the Ability to Rise event!

• Nova Scotia League for Equal Opportunities
• TEAM Work Cooperative
• Accessibility Directorate
• Halifax Regional Municipality - Office of Diversity and Inclusion
• Disability Partnership
• Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission
• Nova Scotia Works
• Nova Scotia Liquor Commission

Nova Scotia League for Equal Opportunities | 218 Club Road | Hatchet Lake, NS B3T 1R2 CA