National Disability Employment Awareness Month has been established to increase the awareness of the positive outcomes of hiring persons with disabilities in Canada. This awareness campaign celebrates the crucial contributions of Canadian workers with disabilities and highlights the continued need to educate employers.
Many people who have disabilities remain unemployed, not because they cannot work, or do not want to work, but because not enough employers are willing to provide the opportunity to work. Saskatchewan is in a boom time, it's really important to inform employers that hiring individuals with a disability is good for business. Employment is a critical component for individuals to build full and productive lives. Individuals living with a disability deserve the opportunity to contribute as productive workers. Smart employers know that the community of individuals with disabilities constitutes greatly to the consumer market and are passionately loyal to companies that hire workers with disabilities.
As part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Partners in Employment wishes to recognize three employers who support our employment programs. These employers provide employment and work-related skills enhancement opportunities to individuals with disabilities or multiple barriers to employment. These include interview skills, job skill development, work experience opportunities and paid employment positions.
Morris Industries has demonstrated leadership by accommodating employees with varying abilities. They have proved to be a great example in the community of what being a supportive employer can mean to the life of a person with a disability.
Stirling Arie was hired at Morris Industries in September 2006 as the Janitor of the main plant. Stirling is now in his 8th year working for Morris Industries and feels he is contributing to his community by working and doing the best that he can do. Wayne Unyi, Supervisor said "I really enjoy having Stirling working with us. He is very teachable and has a very good memory, you tell him once and that's all you need to say." When asked what Stirling enjoys most about his position he said "I really like working with Wayne, he is really nice to me and I make a good wage."
Shoppers Drug Mart as been a long time supporter of hiring persons with disabilities. They are a caring and committed employer who has been instrumental with their "can-do" attitude in inspiring other employers to hire individuals with disabilities. They are true promoters of supported employment and the integration of individuals with disabilities into the workforce.
Neil den Brok was hired in July 2013 as a part-time Store Associate following a successful work experience. Neil stocks shelves, and cleans and organizes the drink cooler. Neil always has a smile on his face and is willing to put in extra effort to make sure the job gets done. Brendon Lobraico, Store Manager said: "We really enjoy having Neil working in our store. He works hard and we have lots of fun!" When asked what Neil likes best about working at Shopper's, he said "Lots!"
Tim Hortons recognizes the value that able workers with disabilities can bring to their workplace. As an employer they strive to make diversity a priority in their business not just because it is the right thing to do, but because they know it is critical to the future of their business. Tim Hortons is always willing to provide accommodations and supports that assist in retaining their employees with disabilities.
Taylor Switzer was hired at Tim Horton's as a Hospitality Ambassador this summer. His job duties include greeting customers, providing customers with samples of new menu items, ensuring that the dining room is clean at all times, and various kitchen duties. Taylor always has a positive attitude, gets along with his co workers, and has developed a strong work ethic.Mauricio Gomez, Manager said "Taylor always does his best at work!" When asked what Taylor likes best about his job at Tim Hortons, he said "This is my favorite job, I really like taking out the recycling."
