Harvesting Inclusion | Vol. 2 No. 4
Embracing the Harvest
October arrives with the colours of change and the spirit of gratitude. Harvest season reminds us that growth doesn't happen overnight. It comes from small actions, consistent effort, and people working together toward a common goal.
This month, we're celebrating Harvesting Inclusion. Across workplaces, communities, families, and organizations, people are planting the seeds of accessibility and belonging every day. Some are creating more inclusive hiring practices. Others are supporting loved ones through caregiving. Many are choosing to listen, learn, and make space for different experiences. Together, these efforts create something worth celebrating: communities where more people can participate, contribute, and belong.
With gratitude,
Trish and Jen
Harvesting Inclusion
October invites us to slow down and reflect on what has grown throughout the year. As harvest season arrives and Thanksgiving approaches, we're reminded that meaningful growth doesn't happen overnight. Whether it's in our communities, workplaces, families, or organizations, the things we value most are often the result of small actions repeated consistently over time.
Inclusion is no different.
The most welcoming spaces are built through intentional choices. They grow when employers listen to employees, when organizations invest in accessibility, when caregivers receive support, and when people with disabilities are included in conversations that affect their lives. These efforts may not always be visible right away, but over time they create something powerful: a greater sense of belonging for everyone. And this is what Harvesting Inclusion is all about.
This month, we're celebrating the people, organizations, and communities who create inclusive
accessibility. We're also asking an important question: after all the work that goes into creating more inclusive spaces, what are we harvesting? We are making a better world where everyone can be valued and respected.
Throughout this issue, we'll explore inclusion through the lens of lived experience, caregiving, community, and organizational growth. We'll also introduce new ways organizations can measure the impact of their accessibility efforts and highlight products designed to spark conversations about belonging.
As we gather with family, friends, and community this season, we're grateful for everyone helping to build a future where more people can participate, contribute, and thrive. Because the true harvest of inclusion isn't found in policies or programs alone. It's found in people feeling seen, valued, and welcomed.
Quote of the Month
“We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow human beings.”
This Month in The Ability Journals
If you’ve been following along, you know this is just one part of the journey — our blogs carry these conversations even further. Coming up:
October 10th - More Than a Caregiver
October 13th - The Fall Drop: Carving Space for Everyone
October 22nd - What Inclusion Makes Possible
October 27th - Ability Verified: Are You Harvesting Inclusion?
Journal of the Month: More Than a Caregiver
Caregiving is an important role, but it should never define a person's entire identity. In this heartfelt reflection, Jen Ferreira shares how community, friendships, creativity, and connection have helped her maintain a sense of self while supporting someone she loves. As part of our Harvesting Inclusion series, this blog reminds us that when caregivers are supported, families and communities grow stronger too. Discover why inclusion means creating space for everyone, including caregivers, to belong, thrive, and continue pursuing their own dreams.
Read more here.
Behind the Scenes
We’ve been busy — in all the right ways. Behind the scenes, we’ve been wrapping things up, building what’s next, and setting new ideas into motion.
Ability Verified (Coming Nov 1st): We're putting the final touches on Ability Verified, our upcoming recognition program designed to help organizations better understand the impact of their accessibility and inclusion efforts. From refining assessment areas to developing resources that support continuous improvement, we've been working to create a program that focuses on real experiences, meaningful outcomes, and practical growth.
Growing Our Reach: One of our biggest priorities right now is connecting with the organizations, businesses, and community leaders who share our belief that inclusion should be more than a statement. We've been exploring new ways to introduce The Ability Company, Ability Certified, and Ability Verified to workplaces, associations, chambers of commerce, and community networks across Canada.
Ability Collective: We are working on The Holiday Drop that will be coming out on November 1st.
Preparing for What's Next: While we're focused on October, we're also looking ahead. From future workshops and speaking opportunities to new resources and initiatives, we're continuing to explore ways to help organizations, caregivers, and people with disabilities feel more connected, supported, and included.
There is never a dull moment — and we’re grateful for every one of them.
Word of the Month: Cultivate
To nurture, develop, and encourage something to grow over time through care, attention, and intentional action.
Just as farmers cultivate their fields before harvest, inclusion is cultivated through relationships, accessibility, understanding, and a commitment to making space for others. Meaningful belonging doesn't happen by accident. It grows when individuals, organizations, and communities invest in actions that help everyone feel welcomed, valued, and included.
Food for Thought:
What are you cultivating today that could help create a more inclusive tomorrow?
Important Dates to Remember
Mark your calendars — here are some key dates coming up that you won’t want to miss!
October 1-31 – Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) A month-long celebration recognizing the contributions of people with disabilities in the workforce and encouraging employers to build more inclusive workplaces.
October 1-31 – Learning Disabilities Awareness Month
October 1-31 – Global Diversity Awareness Month
October 1-31 – International AAC Awareness Month
October 3 – World Cerebral Palsy Day
October 10 – World Mental Health Day
October 15 – Learning Disabilities Awareness Day
October 18-24 – Invisible Disabilities Week
October 31 – Final Day to Shop the Fall Drop Don't miss your chance to grab items from our Fall Drop collection before it leaves for the season.
Service Spotlight: Ability Verified
Ability Verified helps organizations understand how their accessibility and inclusion efforts are being experienced by employees, customers, and communities. By looking beyond policies and intentions, it provides valuable insights into what's working well and where opportunities for growth exist.
As we celebrate Harvesting Inclusion, Ability Verified asks a simple question:
After all the work you've invested in inclusion, what are you harvesting?
Coming November 1st.
Product Spotlight: The Fall Drop
Our Fall Drop brings a few new design: Fall For All — same message as last year with refreshed graphics — and Carving Spaces for Everyone, a warm reminder that inclusion starts with intention. These designs are available on shirts, sweatshirts, and dogs’ shirts and hankies. We are creating everyday pieces that spark belonging and carry the heart of our fall theme into homes, workplaces, and communities.
Shop here.
YouTube - Everyday Moments
Our YouTube Shorts bring everyday moments right to you — from Trish’s everyday hacks, to quick caregiver tips, tricks, and even some singing. It’s real, it’s relatable, and it’s filled with the small moments that shape our days. Be sure to follow along as we keep sharing the heart behind the work.
Click here to follow us on YouTube
Loved what you read? Share this issue, send us your thoughts, or follow us on socials to keep the conversation going.
Disclaimer - The Ability Company
The opinions shared in our blogs reflect personal experiences and viewpoints. They’re not meant to represent every journey or replace professional advice.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional advice. The Ability Company makes no guarantees about accuracy or completeness and is not liable for decisions made based on this content. Use at your own discretion.
