September is Disability Employment Month, highlighting the significant role people with disabilities play in British Columbia’s workforce, while also promoting resources and tools employers can use to reduce barriers to inclusion and build better, more accessible workplaces.
In recognition of Disability Employment Month, Small Business BC is hosting AccessAbility Month in partnership with the Presidents Group, Office of Small and Medium Enterprises and Community Futures Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program.
On Sept. 25, the Presidents Group will present a webinar focused on the funding and supports available to employers in the province. Each webinar will have American sign language (ASL) interpretation and live captioning.
The AccessAbility Month webinars can be accessed for free through the Community Futures Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program. In addition, Presidents Group is also offering two free accessible webinars for business owners and hiring managers on workplace accommodations and the case for inclusive hiring. Register here now!
Quick Facts:
- More than 926,100 British Columbians aged 15 to 64 years, almost 25% of the population, identify as having a disability.
- Almost 90% of consumers prefer companies that employ people with disabilities, according to a study cited in a 2012 Conference Board of Canada report.
- The provincial government offers services and programs that support job seekers and employees with disabilities and employers who want to build an inclusive workplace, including through WorkBC Employment Services, WorkBC Apprentices Services and WorkBC Assistive Technology Services.
- There are 102 WorkBC centres in communities throughout the province that offer a range of employment services and financial supports for British Columbians, including people with disabilities. WorkBC.ca also offers 24/7 access through Online Employment Services, where individuals may apply for various services, supports and financial assistance.
- Presidents Group, a group of B.C. business leaders, are encouraging and supporting employers across different sectors to hire more people with disabilities: www.accessibleemployers.ca
Learn More:
- Resources for job seekers with disabilities
- WorkBC Assistive Technology Services
- Provincial government services for people with disabilities in B.C.
Source: BC Government News