YORKTON, Sask. — Employers, community leaders and employment specialists gathered at the Owl's Nest on Oct. 30 for Partners in Employment's Coffee and Connections event, part of Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM), a national campaign that promotes the contributions of workers experiencing disabilities and encourages more inclusive workplaces.
The breakfast networking and education event provided employers with an opportunity to learn more about Partners in Employment programming, hear success stories from local businesses and explore ways to create meaningful employment opportunities for people experiencing disabilities.
Employment coordinator Kristen Guy said DEAM is recognized nationally and serves as a time to highlight the importance of inclusive employment. She noted that approximately one in five Canadians lives with a disability, underscoring the importance of creating workplaces that reflect the diversity of the communities they serve.
"October is Disability Employment Awareness Month, a time dedicated to highlighting the vital contributions of workers experiencing disabilities and the importance of inclusive workplaces," said Guy. "This month is a call to action for all of us to recognize and embrace the diversity that strengthens our workplaces."
Guy said Partners in Employment marked DEAM throughout October through public education initiatives, social media campaigns and community events, including the Coffee and Connections breakfast and Light It Up for DEAM, a national awareness campaign that encourages organizations to display blue and purple lights in support of inclusive employment.
She said employers often have a limited view of what disability looks like.
"The reality is that disability is incredibly diverse and it looks different for every individual," said Guy. "A disability does not define a person's work ethic or their potential."
Jackie Washenfelder, director of employment services with SaskAbilities, said the event also recognized the important role employers play in creating inclusive workplaces and meaningful job opportunities.
"At Partners in Employment, we are very proud to have served over 2,500 people provincially," she said. "That's individuals throughout Saskatchewan, helping people to explore and connect with opportunities to be employed in their community."
Washenfelder said the organization's work goes beyond connecting job seekers with employers and reflects SaskAbilities' commitment to building inclusive communities where people experiencing disabilities have opportunities to contribute their skills, earn a living and participate fully in community life.
She said the organization's success depends on employers who are willing to learn, ask questions and provide opportunities.
"Your willingness to learn, to ask questions and consider different possibilities and provide opportunities is such an important part of supported employment," she said.
Washenfelder also shared a personal connection to the program, explaining that a family member secured full-time employment in her dream job through Partners in Employment.
"It has really impacted someone's life and changed their life forever," said Washenfelder.
Yorkton Mayor Aaron Kienle spoke about the impact inclusive employment can have on individuals, workplaces and the broader community.
"So much of the work that I've been doing is about building community, and I think this is another wonderful example of building community," said Kienle.
Kienle recalled how an employment opportunity helped his uncle, who lives with severe cerebral palsy, develop skills and confidence despite significant physical challenges.
"An employer took a chance. An employer was inclusive and wanted to give him a chance," he said. "One of the reasons he's so fluent with computers and has the ability to take the time and pen an email … is because of that opportunity that was given to him by an employer."
Drawing from his own experience as a business owner, Kienle said supported employment placements created positive outcomes for employees, staff and customers alike.
"It was good for the staff. It was good for the customers. It was good for all of us," he said.
Attendees also heard directly from local employers about their experiences working with the program.
Gurjit Dhaliwal, executive director at Venvi The Bentley, said SaskAbilities provides significant support to businesses and employees throughout the employment process.
"The resources and the staffing they offer when they have somebody join your organization is amazing," said Dhaliwal.
He said several participants have gone on to become valued long-term employees after beginning through supported employment placements.
"We've had individuals start with us and grow into full-time positions," he said. "It's extremely rewarding."
Ally Jackson, HR adviser with Legacy Co-op, said creating inclusive workplaces requires employers to focus on potential rather than limitations.
"The biggest mistake an employer can make is getting lost in the details of the role and forgetting the extra value that we can get by bringing on someone that has challenges in finding work that works for them," said Jackson.
She said SaskAbilities helps address many of the concerns employers may have by providing training, job coaching, candidate supports and wage subsidy programs.
"The whole process is so easy from start to finish," she said. "Together we set them up for success."
Throughout the morning, speakers emphasized that inclusive employment benefits not only individuals experiencing disabilities but also employers seeking dedicated workers and stronger workplace cultures.
Employers interested in learning more about inclusive hiring and the supports available through Partners in Employment are encouraged to contact the organization.
The message echoed throughout the event was simple: when employers are willing to provide an opportunity, they are not just filling a position. They are helping build inclusive communities and creating opportunities for people to achieve goals that might otherwise remain out of reach.
