By Sydney Alexandra, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
On Wednesday, April 30, the Halton Equity and Diversity Roundtable (HEDR) will launch its first-ever neurodivergence-centred forum, the “Diverse Abilities Symposium.” The event is described as a day dedicated to exploring and celebrating individuals with diverse abilities, bringing together professionals, advocates, and community members to foster awareness, education, and empowerment. This initiative supports HEDR’s broader mission to promote inclusion and understanding across the Halton region.
The symposium promises to be an interactive, reflective, and empowering experience. It is intentionally structured to include a series of thought-provoking discussions and hands-on workshops that offer deeper insight into what it means to live with a developmental disability or to be neurodivergent.
Programming will be led by members of Community Living North Halton, a non-profit organization supporting children and adults with diverse abilities. The panel will feature voices from Community Living, who will offer diverse perspectives and share insights on the challenges they face, the support systems available, and the importance of advocacy. Attendees will also hear powerful testimonials from individuals with developmental disabilities and their families — stories that offer a moving reflection on what true belonging looks like.
“We’re trying to make it as participatory as possible,” says Daven Seebarran, manager at HEDR. “In particular, one workshop will highlight best practices in inclusive recreation, exploring physical abilities and how different communities are addressing barriers.”
The event will also include guided small-group discussions, allowing for deeper exploration of topics like intersectionality, neurodiversity, and stigma. These conversations are designed to help participants turn complex concepts into actionable strategies they can bring back to their communities and workplaces.
“The benefit of these small group activities is that they help turn complex ideas into relatable, real-world concepts because people are helping each other learn,” explains Seebarran. “By co-creating that learning experience, people can engage in a way that’s meaningful to them.”
In the afternoon, a special session will focus on Universal Design Theory — a design philosophy that aims to create inclusive spaces and experiences usable by all people, regardless of age, size, ability, or disability. This session will focus on how to apply Universal Design principles to foster inclusivity for neurodiverse individuals while also enhancing experiences for neurotypical participants.
“When you create spaces people truly love to be in — spaces that align with their values and beliefs — you get the best out of them,” says Seebarran. “The way we design, engage with, and co-create with communities applies to any equity-seeking group. We want people to invest in a model that can evolve with diverse needs.”
Seebarran adds, “I’ve integrated the elements of Universal Design that align with my values and style, and it’s allowed me to thrive. That’s what this workshop is about — recognizing that everyone learns and works differently. When we embrace those differences, we unlock people’s full potential.”
The Diverse Abilities Symposium sold out a month in advance, a sign of the community’s commitment to fostering inclusive spaces in Halton and the hunger for this type of discussion. “This kind of engagement shows just how many people care about these issues,” says Seebarran. “More importantly, it reflects how we’ve been clear from the beginning that DEI isn’t one-dimensional. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are about complex, ongoing conversations that impact everyone. We are all intersectional beings, and we’ve made it a point to offer a learning series that reflects that.”
For more information on HEDR and their programs and events, go to www.hedroundtable.com; as well as the Diverse Abilities Symposium this month, HEDR is hosting their second Pride Gala and Garden Soiree at the Art Gallery of Burlington on June 26, 2025, from 7 p.m. until 11 p.m. Expect exciting drag performances by Lady Kero and Eva Blunt, music, culture, and a celebration of Pride Month, with proceeds supporting the development of the Braver Spaces Program, which aims to create safer and more inclusive spaces throughout Halton. Click here for more information.
