Community Living acknowledges local businesses that employ individuals with disabilities

Dear Editor:

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month and Community Living of Kincardine and District acknowledges the growing number of businesses in our community that have hired individuals with disabilities, as well as those that are champions for inclusive employment.

The list of inclusive employers in our community includes: AREVA, Boston Pizza, Coffee Culture, Dairy Queen, Gordon Pharmasave, Julia’s Health and Beauty Spa, Kincardine Early Years Centre, Kincardine Home Hardware, Lake Huron Video and Books, McDonald’s, Ontario Works, Quinn Florist, Shopper’s Drug Mart, Trillium Court Seniors' Community, the Bruce Steakhouse and the Municipality of Kincardine.

These businesses and organizations have taken a strong leadership role, demonstrating their commitment to inclusion while focusing on the abilities and strengths of all individuals. We also acknowledge the many local businesses that utilize the window-washing and mail-delivery services co-ordinated through Community Living and fulfilled by our members.

In addition, Community Living appreciates Changing Thyme Catering’s many customers who have helped to directly support employment opportunities for eight individuals with developmental disabilities. Since launching last August, Changing Thyme Catering has served meals, desserts and snacks at corporate meetings, local festivals, private events and even a wedding.

With one-in-seven Canadians living with a disability, there is a significant pool of untapped labour available that has proven to be beneficial for the bottom line of businesses. Across Canada, up to 70 per cent of individuals with disabilities are unemployed, despite research showing that workers with disabilities routinely outperform their non-disabled colleagues in areas such as performance, safety and attendance.

If you are a local employer looking for your next great employee, consider connecting with Community Living of Kincardine and District and learning more about our employment services and support for employers.

Please join us in recognizing the inclusive employers in our community and celebrating the increasing opportunity for individuals with disabilities to obtain meaningful and valued employment.

Sincerely,
Andy Swan, executive director
Community Living of Kincardine and District