Corporate Changemaker of the Year

 
The Corporate Changemaker of the Year Award celebrates the game-changing role Canadian corporations can make toward equity and inclusion for people with disabilities when they align commitment, resources, and innovative thinking. 

The award is presented annually to a Canadian corporation that is making an inspirational impact in advancing equity and inclusion for people with disabilities nationwide, through their business offerings, community engagement, and philanthropy.

Eligibility Criteria 

  • Canadian-registered corporation 
  • Demonstrated impact toward advancing disability inclusion through business offerings, community engagement and philanthropy



Corporate Changemaker of the Year Award Past Winners


Congratulations to 
the Corporate Changemaker of the Year Award winners. All the winners were celebrated at MODC’s annual signature gala, The Changemakers Supper Club, held in Toronto. 

2024 Corporate Changemaker of the Year

TELUS logo


TELUS


TELUS leverages its world-leading technology and customer-first approach to drive social change, helping create a better world for future generations. The company is committed to harnessing innovation to build a more connected and accessible Canada for all.

Through its Connecting for Good™ programs, TELUS bridges the digital divide, ensuring marginalized communities have access to essential technology. The company's comprehensive approach to accessibility is evident across its products, services, and community initiatives.

The TELUS Friendly Future Foundation™ supports youth-focused programs in education and health, including those aimed at individuals with disabilities.

A key initiative is the TELUS Tech for Good™ program, delivered in partnership with March of Dimes Canada. This program empowers individuals with disabilities to gain independence through customized assistive technology solutions and one-on-one training.

TELUS Wise® complements these efforts by supporting digital literacy initiatives, including March of Dimes Canada's HiTech program. This collaboration offers training and employment preparation for people with disabilities, exemplifying TELUS' commitment to both providing accessible technology and ensuring its effective use.

TELUS fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace through progressive hiring practices and accommodation policies. By leveraging the power of technology, TELUS continues to break down barriers and create a friendlier future for all Canadians.


2023 Corporate Changemaker of the Year Award Winner – Microsoft


Microsoft logo
Microsoft's mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. To deliver on this mission, Microsoft is laser-focused on delivering four commitments to: support inclusive economic growth, protect fundamental rights, create a sustainable future, and earn trust. With a profound belief in technology's capacity to empower people worldwide, Microsoft is actively working to bridge the digital divide and build a more inclusive skills-based economy for individuals with disabilities. They deliver on this work through substantial investments in the global skills initiatives, specifically the SkillingUp program administered by March of Dimes Canada. 

Microsoft's support for the SkillingUp program continues to be instrumental in reshaping inclusive hiring practices in Canada. This innovative digital learning initiative equips neurodiverse individuals and those with disabilities with highly sought-after digital and AI skills, significantly improving their job placement prospects. 

With Microsoft's backing, thousands of Canadians living with disabilities will receive training and certification through SkillingUp, paving the way for employment opportunities in today's competitive job market. Microsoft's commitment ensures that technology is a force for positive change, driving the creation of an inclusive and accessible digital economy that benefits all.




2022 Corporate Changemaker of the Year Award Winner – CIBC Foundation


CIBC Foundation
The CIBC Foundation was launched in 2021 to advance social and economic equity. In its first year, the Foundation raised more than $70 million toward building a barrier-free world, joined the international Valuable 500 campaign to unlock the full value of persons with disabilities, and supported Holland Bloorview’s #DearEverybody campaign. CIBC has also committed to ensuring that 8-9% of its annual hires in Canada are persons with disabilities.