YORKTON, Sask. — Yorkton Coun. Greg Litvanyi spent part of his day picking up litter alongside members of the SaskAbilities Partners in Employment Clean Sweep team, gaining firsthand insight into a program that promotes meaningful employment for people experiencing disability.
The job-shadowing experience was part of Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM), celebrated each October to recognize the skills, talents and contributions of people experiencing disability and the benefits of inclusive workplaces.
Litvanyi joined two members of the Clean Sweep team, a program funded through the Yorkton Business Improvement District (YBID) that helps keep the city's downtown clean year-round. Team members collect litter and help maintain public spaces during the warmer months, while also assisting with snow clearing in winter.
"The City of Yorkton was asked to participate with the Partners in Employment program that is sponsored by YBID," Litvanyi said. "I was fortunate to go and work with two individuals that are in the program, and it was a fantastic experience."
He said the workers provide an important service while gaining valuable workplace experience and a sense of belonging in the community.
"They do a great job of keeping our city clean and tidy," Litvanyi said. “It’s a great service to the community at large."
The Clean Sweep program is designed to support downtown beautification and accessibility while providing employment opportunities through SaskAbilities Partners in Employment. Workers perform litter collection and sidewalk maintenance and are trained to report, rather than handle, potentially dangerous materials.
"If they do identify any sharps or hazards that they're not trained to handle, they immediately call bylaw, identify the location and just ensure the safety of all of our residents," Litvanyi said.
The councillor said the experience highlighted the importance of inclusive hiring practices and encouraged employers to consider the benefits of providing employment opportunities to people of all abilities.
"It's meaningful employment," he said. "They have community pride.”
Litvanyi said inclusive workplaces benefit both employees and employers while strengthening the community as a whole.
"We certainly encourage all of the employers in the City of Yorkton to consider the program," he said.
The councillor said the job-shadow opportunity was his first involvement with the initiative.
"I'm looking forward to doing it again next year. I had a great hour with the team there from the Ability Centre and the Partners in Employment program," Litvanyi said.
Disability Employment Awareness Month activities continue throughout October, with organizations across the province highlighting the importance of removing barriers to employment and creating more inclusive workplaces.
