October is Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) across Canada, and Weyburn continues to lead the way in inclusion and innovation.
“At the start of October, our employment coordinator, Meagan McLeod, presented to the national conference on supported employment about some of the successes that are happening right here in Weyburn,” said Jeff Richards, executive director of Weyburn Wor-Kin Shop.
“The Canadian Association of Supported Employment hosted their annual national conference online, for people across Canada, and we were thrilled when asked to present.”
SARC (Saskatchewan Association of Rehabilitation Centres) hosted a province wide Lunch-and-Learn focused on Supported Employment on Oct. 13, and once again Weyburn was featured.
This time it was Jeff Chessall, owner of the Weyburn RONA store, who presented his business case for hiring individuals who experience disabilities.
“Our RONA store currently employs two individuals who experience disabilities and we cannot imagine doing business any other way,” said Chessall. “Both of these individuals are valuable assets to our business and we encourage business to think about this labour pool.”
“Supported Employment takes on many different models, and there really is a great fit for everyone,” said Wor-Kin Shop Employment Coordinator Meagan McLeod.
“Our role is to make a successful job fit for both the employer and the employee, and I would love to opportunity to talk to any organization about the positive impact that employing someone with a disability can have in their operation.”
