SaskAbilities and its subdivisions Partners in Employment and MentorAbility Saskatchewan recognize Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) each October to highlight the value of diverse and inclusive workforces, and held a luncheon at the Events Centre yesterday to celebrate employees and employers.
“Disability Employment Awareness Month is a campaign that shines a light on the importance of creating inclusive workplaces, and initiatives like this are essential in bringing attention to the valuable contributions that people experiencing disabilities make to our province’s social and economic wellbeing,” said Raelynne Doka, program manager at the Regina-Moose Jaw branch of SaskAbilities.
Doka said the event reflects the progress being made in Canadian society to lower stigmas and increase acceptance.
“I’ve been with SaskAbilities’ Partners in Employment for almost 20 years, and an event like (this luncheon) was not even something that would have been on our radar at that time. It’s taken 20 years to get to a point where we’re having an event where employers are gathering, celebrating, and recognizing the contributions of hiring and bringing inclusivity into their workplace, but also the contributions that individuals that are experiencing barriers are making.”
In a media release, SaskAbilities said the Moose Jaw-Regina branch connected with 934 employers last year, and helped 248 individuals find a new job. According to the 2022 Canadian Survey on Disability, there were 741,280 people with disabilities in the country who were unemployed despite being able to work.
“I was looking for a change, I wanted something that I could actually use as a career,” explained Autumn MacKenzie, who now works for Hanover Cabinets. “I came across Partners in Employment in the library, actually. And I just asked what they were about, and they said, ‘Well, do you want to give us your information and see if you can get in the program?’ And I did.
“I had a great time going there. I knew I would have to put the effort in and I treated it like a second job while I was there, and it did wonders for me. ... It’s going amazing (at my new job.) I’m treated very well there and I get along with everybody I work with.”
Rob Clark, CEO of the Moose Jaw & District Chamber of Commerce, said people with disabilities can make great employees if employers are willing to work to find accomodations.
Clark said he hopes employers will educate themselves on the topic, because there are excellent employees waiting for a chance to work.
“Some of these people are very, very capable, but maybe there’s a stigma to it,” he said. “We need to knock that out of the way and help somebody out. They have families they’re trying to support, too. Why not call up Partners in Employment and take the chance?”
Adam Krammer is the director of human resources and training for Commissionaires Canada’s Saskatchewan Division. He spoke at the lunch to say that working with Partners in Employment is a new connection, but it is going well.
“There’s been two people so far that we’ve hired. Both individuals are working on a regular basis and they’ve done some great work in our building, specifically Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
“The team that I work with is fantastic. They’re easy to get along with, they get to the point with what we’re trying to achieve, they’re responsive to emails and phone calls from myself and my team based out of Regina. It’s been a good experience.”
Businesses or individuals who want to learn more about Partners in Employment can call 306-522-2555 in Regina, or 1-833-444-4023 in Moose Jaw, or visit their website at www.SaskAbilities.com.