Linda Larson, Parliamentary Secretary for Accessibility

“Disability Employment Month is a chance to highlight the resources available to help people with disabilities find employment – and for employers to hire a more diverse workforce. Government offers a range of supports, including assistive technology programs and training and education opportunities for post-secondary students with disabilities.”

 

Inclusive hiring can help businesses attract and retain skilled employees, and expand their range of customers and clients.

To increase awareness and promote the hiring, inclusion and advancement of people with disabilities in B.C., the Province has proclaimed September 2015 as the second annual Disability Employment Month.

The Province has set a goal to have the highest labour-market participation rate for people with disabilities in B.C. of any province in Canada by 2024. This is one of the goals of Accessibility 2024, government’s 10-year action plan to make B.C. the most progressive place for people with disabilities in Canada.

Throughout September, Social Development and Social Innovation Minister Michelle Stilwell, along with Parliamentary Secretary for Accessibility Linda Larson and partners across government, business and the non-profit sectors, will be promoting the business case for inclusive hiring.

WorkBC Employment Services Centres will be hosting open houses and job fairs to highlight the range of resources available to support disability employment.

British Columbians with disabilities are an important talent pool and potential customer base for B.C. businesses, as the province expects about one million job openings by 2020. About 334,000 British
Columbians aged 15 to 64 years identify as having a disability.