Inclusive hiring can help businesses attract and retain skilled employees, and expand their range of customers and clients.

To increase awareness and promote the hiring, inclusion and advancement of people with disabilities in B.C., the Province has proclaimed September 2015 as the second annual Disability Employment Month.

The Province has set a goal to have the highest labour-market participation rate for people with disabilities in B.C. of any province in Canada by 2024. This is one of the goals of Accessibility 2024, government’s 10-year action plan to make B.C. the most progressive place for people with disabilities in Canada.

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Throughout September, Social Development and Social Innovation Minister Michelle Stilwell, along with Parliamentary Secretary for Accessibility Linda Larson and partners across government, business and the non-profit sectors, will be promoting the business case for inclusive hiring.

WorkBC Employment Services Centres will be hosting open houses and job fairs to highlight the range of resources available to support disability employment.

British Columbians with disabilities are an important talent pool and potential customer base for B.C. businesses, as the province expects about one million job openings by 2020. About 334,000 British Columbians aged 15 to 64 years identify as having a disability.

Quotes:

Michelle Stilwell, Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation ─

“We’ve heard from businesses across B.C. there is a growing business case for hiring people with disabilities. Diverse employees bring new skills and perspective to a business – and can make it more welcoming to a broader range of customers. Hiring people with disabilities is good for business.”

Linda Larson, Parliamentary Secretary for Accessibility ─

“Disability Employment Month is a chance to highlight the resources available to help people with disabilities find employment – and for employers to hire a more diverse workforce. Government offers a range of supports, including assistive technology programs and training and education opportunities for post-secondary students with disabilities.”

Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia, chief executive officer, Century Plaza Hotel & Absolute Spa Group ─

“Once employers recognize the range of benefits a diverse workforce can bring to a business, it’s a small step to make their hiring and recruitment processes more inclusive. A business that is accessible to employees with differing abilities is also more accessible and welcoming to potential customers and clients with disabilities.”

Dr. Gary Birch, executive director, Neil Squire Society ─

"For many people with disabilities, employment can help them live more independent lives and become active members in their community. As a society, we need to continue to recognize and address the barriers – ranging from technological to attitudinal, that people with disabilities can face at work, or when looking for work.”

Quick Facts:

• Approximately 334,000 British Columbians aged 15 to 64 years self-identify as having a disability.
• According to the 2012 Canadian Survey on Disability, approximately half of Canadians with disabilities aged 15 to 64 years are employed. 55% of persons with disabilities aged 15 to 64 years participate in the labour market, compared to 78% of persons without disabilities.
• Cost of workplace accommodations for a person with disability is $500 or less, on average.
• From April 1, 2015, to July 31, 2015, the Employment Program of BC provided personalized case-managed services to over 55,000 people, of which more than 21,000 had identified as having a disability.
• B.C. is the first province to introduce the Annual Earnings Exemption so people receiving disability assistance can calculate their earnings up to $9,600 on an annual basis instead of monthly. This allows workers with a disability to keep more of the money they earn.
• From Dec. 3, 2013, to March 11, 2014, the B.C government held a public consultation to provide British Columbians with a disability, their families and members of the public the opportunity to share their thoughts on what government, businesses and communities can do to reduce barriers and increase accessibility for people living with disabilities.

Learn More:

View the proclamation at: http://bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/oic/OIC_CUR/DisabilityEmpMonth2015

Find WorkBC resources and information about hiring people with disabilities: https://www.workbc.ca/Job-Seekers/Build-Your-Career/Working-in-B-C/Advice-for-Specialized-Population-Groups/People-with-Disabilities.aspx

For more information on Accessibility 2024, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/accessibility

To view the One Year Progress Report or Accessibility 2024, visit: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/government/about-the-bc-government/accessible-bc/accessibility-2024/docs/accessibility2024-1-year-progress.pdf

To view a list of cross-government services for people with disabilities in B.C., visit: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/services-for-people-with-disabilities

2012 Canadian Survey on Disability: http://www5.statcan.gc.ca/cansim/a26?lang=eng&retrLang=eng&id=1150005&paSer=&pattern=&stByVal=1&p1=1&p2=-1&tabMode=dataTable&csid