LiveWorkPlay is celebrating an outstanding achievement by Scott MacLellan, who has received the 2026 Phillip Emmerson Award for Employment Excellence from the Canadian Association for Supported Employment (CASE). CASE is a national association of community-based service providers and interest holders working towards employment inclusion of persons experiencing disability.
Presented annually at the CASE conference, the national award recognizes an individual who has made a significant contribution to advancing full citizenship and personal capacity for people experiencing disability through employment, workplace innovation and advocacy.
LiveWorkPlay was proud to nominate Scott for the award, which was presented at The Westin Ottawa on June 10, 2026. Following an introduction from Phillip Emmerson (pictured in image, centre and seated) and a standing ovation from those in attendance, Scott was invited to share a few words about what the recognition and his career have meant to him.
Scott thanked LiveWorkPlay, his family and his colleagues at the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency for helping him reach this point.
“I literally would not be here without their help and support,” Scott said of LiveWorkPlay.
He also spoke about the independence his employment has given him and the opportunity to continue pursuing his interests and passions.
Scott has been involved in the disability community since his teenage years and has used his lived experience through advocacy, writing and public speaking to help employers, service providers and policymakers better understand inclusive employment. After overcoming barriers to employment, he secured a position in the federal public service and progressed into a communications role within the Deputy Minister’s Office.
Creating opportunities through inclusive employment
Scott’s achievement reflects the difference meaningful employment can make, not only by building skills and financial independence but by creating opportunities for people to contribute, advocate and pursue the lives and careers they choose.
LiveWorkPlay supports more than 300 job seekers and workers each year, helping match the right employees with the right employers and build lasting, mutually beneficial workplace relationships. The organization also provides community-based support to help people pursue their goals for independent living and community participation.
Now part of The BUSY Group, LiveWorkPlay continues its long-standing work to help people with intellectual disabilities, autistic persons and individuals with a dual diagnosis live, work and play as valued citizens.
Congratulations to Scott on this well-deserved national recognition and to CASE for celebrating the careers, capabilities and advocacy of people with disabilities.
Watch the presentation and Scott’s remarks in the video below: