By Melanie Jacob
Journal Editor
[email protected]
During the month of October, Humboldt and District Community Services is recognizing inclusive employers to celebrate Disability Employment Awareness Month.
On Oct. 17, the organization was situated at a table at Sobeys handing out cookies that were donated by the grocery store and raising awareness about disability employment.
"Basically, in Canada there are 38 million people living with a disability or a barrier, and about one in six in Saskatchewan," said Niamh Menz, a supported employment facilitator and job coach for the nonprofit organization. "So there's a good chance you're working alongside people with a disability."
According to Menz, their organization wants employers to understand that individuals who are disabled or facing barriers are an untapped resource with strong retention. These individuals can include anyone from people with physical handicaps to those enduring invisible barriers such as anxiety or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
"I think it just comes down to a lack of confidence; many employers don't know how to work with them," said Menz. "We're here to help support and train staff members and help managers bring out their managerial skills."
Menz said that some employers might be reluctant because they tried it before and it didn't work out. However, like any individual employee that doesn't work out, she said they just have to keep trying until they find the right fit. Since Menz's organization works on a one-on-one basis with clients and employers, that would be their sole focus-finding the right fit for all parties involved. Their intake process usually involves finding out what the clients' dreams and skills are and then finding a balance between the two. They then begin working on everything from etiquette to interview skills to education. Workers such as Menz will also speak with employers to find out what they need and are looking for. According to her, they work to make sure everyone is happy.
"What we do is very person-centered planning," said Menz. "Most good managers know how to get the best from staff. We want to focus on that; focus on the ability, not the disability."
During this month, Menz said she wants to let everyone know that they're there and provide information about their services. Since they're a nonprofit organization, clients aren't charged for the services they use.
Menz does say that although their trying to raise awareness, they're lucky that many employers in Humboldt recognize that it's a positive thing to hire people with disabilities and barriers. It doesn't just boost morale, she says, it also helps with the bottom line.
"These individuals are long-term so there isn't as much staff turnover," said Juanine Korte, the executive director for the organization. "We support clients' decisions and give them realistic options."
