Latest News
Project leader Kelly Mack (centered) accepts the 2017 Employer of the Year award from Jobs West on behalf of the City of Richmond.
Photo courtesy City of Richmond
Reducing poverty and boosting respect, with a job
One way to cut poverty in our community, is
to increase accessibility to jobs. For people with a disability, jobs can be
even harder to find. According to the City of Richmond, “One in 10 or 3.8
million of working-aged Canadians have a disability. About half of working-aged
Canadians with a disability are unemployed.”
Whether it be a newly-graduated engineer, an
office worker or someone who has been a labourer, there are extra hurdles to
overcome for a disabled worker.
“Many individuals with disabilities are
systematically denied opportunities for meaningful employment,” said Richmond
Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “But with assessment, matching and support between an
individual’s needs and abilities aligned with available job duties, this
situation can be rectified through a customized employment approach.”
The city’s customized employment program
includes partnerships with specialized employment services such as the
Developmental Disabilities Association’s employment division, Jobs West.
Together, the city and the organizations, work to create jobs with the City in
a variety of situations such as, Project Development, the Richmond Ice Centre
and South Arm Community Centre.
Through this program, 15 people have jobs
with the City they might not otherwise have had. These jobs are in addition to
the number of people with disabilities who have found paid employment over the
years with our community centres, some of which are funded the community
associations.
For its initiative and work, the City
received the 2017 Employer of the Year award from Jobs West.
According to a city of Richmond press
release, “The Customized Employment Program provides individuals with
disabilities with employment opportunities that they would otherwise have
difficulty attaining. It utilizes the strengths, capabilities and skills of the
individual in order to meet the needs of the operation.”
The self-respect that comes from doing a job
well is immeasurable and of equal importance to the financial independence
offered by paid work. The other benefit comes from the community seeing people
with disabilities, as a matter of course, working as paid employees in a
variety of jobs. It expands the wide range of normal.
The city says, “It is hoped that this program
will motivate local businesses to follow suit in developing an inclusive
workplace at their businesses.”
The city continues, “Hiring individuals with
disabilities broadens the community’s understanding of disabilities and
inclusivity, which contributes to a healthier, more diverse society and
community to live in.”
To contact Jobs West cut and paste:
jobswest.ca
For the Developmental Disabilities Assn:
develop.bc.ca
2 Hours of free financial consulting
Jai Xin Planning Ltd.
C$120.00 C$0.00
Use any of our home staging service and get a second month rental for free!
MiiX Interiors
C$500.00 C$0.00
Get 10% off any order
Phantom Screens Lower Mainland
C$200.00 C$180.00
