The federal government is supporting a project to increase workplace inclusion and connect people with disabilities with good jobs.
Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament for Nipissing-Timiskaming, announced over $950,000 over three years for Yes Employment Services.
With the funding, Yes Employment will assist over 165 employers and partner with PHARA (Physically Handicapped Adults’ Rehabilitation Association) to help create accessible workplaces.
“Everyone should be able to be out there and be able to contribute to the maximum that they can,” Rota says. “This money allows Yes Employment and PHARA to work together to allow people with disabilities to put the maximum that they have into the economy, social activities and into Canada.”
LeeAnne Maille, CEO of Yes Employment Services, says workplaces are having challenges finding employees and it’s important to continue to try new things and innovate to fill the skills gap.
“The stats are showing there are people out there living with disabilities that can and want to work and have knowledge and skills to contribute to the workforce,” she says. “I think this is a great opportunity to make that connection between jobseekers and employers.”
Maille says the multi-faceted project will include an awareness campaign and specific training for employers to help make workplaces more inclusive and accommodating.
The federal money is coming from the Department of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, through the Opportunities Fund.