About

The Hamilton Disability Employment Network (HDEN), founded in November 2020, is a volunteer run, non-profit network of varied service providers dedicated to education and advocacy around supported employment resources for both jobseekers with disabilities and businesses seeking to hire inclusively.

Currently the network is represented by the following organizations: The Career Foundation, Agilec, YWCA, PATH Employment Services, Goodwill Industries, March of Dimes, ODEN, FedCap, Hamilton Literacy Council, ABEA, Xperience Annex, CCRW, Mohawk College, McMaster University, Community Living, Ontario Brain Injury Association, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, Ready, Willing and Able, Owlware, Hamilton Wentworth District School Board, Workforce Planning Hamilton, Service Canada, City of Hamilton and Adults in Motion.

Through our work as a network, we are putting accessibility and inclusion at the forefront of the conversation around thriving workplaces. Not only do inclusive businesses have better staff retention, but they’re also more resilient and innovative in the face of economic challenges. These attributes are a must in today’s shifting labour market.

Meet the Team

As leaders of HDEN, our goal for the network is to create a space where members can share information, provide wrap-around support and promote services. Together we can celebrate our successes and engage in activities for a more inclusive community.

HDEN Chair and Founder

Elaine Logie

Elaine Logie has been an active member of the Employment Service Sector for over 15 years and has worked in organizations/educational institutions such as McMaster University, Employment Hamilton, Mohawk College, March of Dimes, and The Career Foundation.

For the past 8 years at The Career Foundation, Elaine has run a trades apprenticeship program and is currently the Program Coordinator for the federally funded Empowering Abilities Program in Hamilton.

As someone with lived experience with a disability, she is passionate about accessibility and sharing best practices within the employment service sector. The Hamilton Disability Employment Network (HDEN) was created in 2020, which she runs with her two Co-Chairs Shannon and Kelly.

The network meets monthly and represents over 15 service providers in the community. For example, the network has worked together on various events such as October’s NDEAM (National Disability Employment Awareness Month) Light it up event, as well as an NDEAM Business Engagement event and a job fair with network partner, Canada Post.

Elaine looks forward to furthering the goals of HDEN and strives for the integration of accessibility into all aspects of employment services through education, civic engagement, and job seeker empowerment. She urges everyone in the Hamilton community to join the inclusion revolution!

Co-Chair

Catherine Johnston

Catherine Johnston is the Community Engagement & Program Support Specialist at PATH Employment Services, where she champions inclusive employment and builds partnerships that connect job seekers—especially those facing higher barriers—with meaningful opportunities. With over eight years at PATH, Catherine thrives as a versatile team player, blending outreach, event coordination, and client services with a commitment to accessibility and equity in the workplace.

As Co-Chair of HDEN, Catherine brings her passion for breaking down employment barriers and her forward-thinking approach to collaboration. She works alongside community partners and businesses to promote inclusive hiring practices and to showcase the strengths and skills of job seekers with disabilities.

Catherine believes in creating spaces where diversity isn’t just welcomed, but celebrated as a driver of innovation and growth.

Our Mission

Through partnership, members inspire each other, share industry best practices and
promote member services as a network throughout the Hamilton region.

Our Vision

To work together empowering members of the disability community in an
equitable and inclusive manner in reaching life goals such as employment, accessible
housing, clinical support or access to other essential services.

About

Meet the Team

Our Mission

Our Vision

Become an HDEN member today!

Contact us with your questions!