Speaking Engagements with Chris Stigas
Bring Real-World Expertise and Inspiration to Your Event
Chris Stigas is a sought-after speaker who combines lived experience as a wheelchair user, deep technical knowledge in accessibility standards, and a proven track record of driving meaningful change in the built environment. His presentations are practical, engaging, and actionable—perfect for audiences in construction, design, government, real estate, and advocacy. Whether delivering a keynote, leading a workshop, or participating in a panel, Chris leaves attendees equipped with tools to create truly inclusive spaces while sharing a powerful personal story of resilience and advocacy.
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● Patti Dawson Activist Award (2020) – Spinal Cord Injury Ontario
● UHN Local Impact Award (2020) – University Health Network President’s Award
● Pandemic Heroes Award (2021) – Presented by MP Rob Oliphant
● AIA Honour Award (2024) – Presented by Detroit chapter of the American Institute of Architects
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Chris tailors every presentation to your audience and objectives. Common topics include:
● From Compliance to Inclusion: Building Accessibility In, Not On Exploring how proactive universal design creates better outcomes for users, developers, and communities.
● The Business Case for Accessible Design Real-world examples showing how inclusive spaces reduce risk, enhance market appeal, and support ESG goals in housing and commercial projects.
● Lived Experience as Expertise: A Personal Journey in Accessibility Advocacy Chris’s powerful story of injury, adaptation, and leadership—paired with practical lessons for creating equitable environments.
● Navigating Accessibility Standards: RHFAC, AODA, CSA, and Beyond Deep-dive sessions on certification processes, gap analysis, and measurable improvements for builders, architects, and government stakeholders.
● Inclusive Housing in a Changing Market Strategies for integrating accessibility into multi-unit residential projects, with insights on CMHC requirements and long-term community impact.
Custom topics and workshop formats (e.g., accessibility audits, design charrettes) are available upon request.
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● Authentic & Relatable: Chris speaks from both personal and professional experience—no abstract theory.
● Practical Takeaways: Attendees leave with actionable steps, checklists, and resources they can implement immediately.
● Inspirational Yet Grounded: Motivational without being overly sentimental; focused on real results.
● Flexible Formats: Keynotes (30–60 min), half-day workshops, panel moderation, or multi-session training.
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Chris is a frequent media commentator on accessibility issues:
● Jan. 2025 - CTV, Your Morning, Follow-up on Ontario missing full AODA accessibility compliance by 2025 deadline
● April 2024 - CTV, Your Morning, Reaction to Announcement at Canadian Disability Benefit
● April 2024 - CTV, Your Morning, Discussing Ride-Share & Taxi Services Accessible
● Jan. 2024 - CTV, Your Morning, Ontario’s Future for AODA Compliance by 2025
● Feb. 2020 - CityTV, Social Media & Accessibility in Toronto Restaurants with Brandon Rowe
View full media appearance list HERE
Ready to Book Chris for Your Next Event?
Chris is available for paid speaking engagements across Canada and virtually worldwide—perfect for conferences, professional associations, municipalities, provincial/federal departments, universities, healthcare networks, and corporate teams.