ESTEVAN - Estevan area residents are encouraged to show their support for National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) and light up purple lights on Oct. 21.
The Light it Up! for NDEAM initiative is a one-night, co-ordinated lighting event in recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month in Saskatchewan. It's aimed at recognizing how people experiencing disabilities contribute to business and their communities, helping companies be successful and competitive.
Every province is invited to partake to light the sky over Canada purple on that night.
The Government of Saskatchewan has proclaimed October as Disability Employment Awareness Month.
"A diverse and inclusive workforce holds immense economic potential for businesses and communities. The month is a time to celebrate the many and varied contributions of workers with disabilities and will help raise awareness on the importance of inclusiveness in our workforce," said the government of Saskatchewan in a press release.
"Individuals with disabilities make significant contributions to businesses and our communities," Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison said. "We want to ensure that they continue to have the same opportunities as all residents to fully participate in Saskatchewan's labour force and economy."
The Disability Strategy was introduced in the province in June 2015 to make Saskatchewan the best place to live and work in Canada for people with disabilities. It also provides ambitious recommendations for how to improve the lives of people with disabilities in the province.
"We all benefit from diverse workforces and accessible workplaces," said Lori Carr, the Estevan MLA and Minister for Social Services. "Having a truly inclusive province means everyone can participate and can access meaningful employment, which we are proud to celebrate this month."
SARC, a provincial association of over 100 community-based organizations, dedicated to supporting people with disabilities within their community to live life to their full potential, supported the initiative and asked the city of Estevan and its people to do the same by lighting purple lights on Oct. 21.
"Employers who have created an inclusive workplace have a proven record of more engaged employees, increased job retention, and a positive corporate culture, simply by hiring people experiencing disability," SARC executive director Amy McNeil said. "We often hear from inclusive employers how grateful they are to have found an untapped pool of skilled workers who contribute every day to their business goals. Throughout October, SARC and SARC members will be celebrating inclusive Saskatchewan employers during DEAM."
The Ministry of Immigration and Career Training is committed to helping all Saskatchewan people realize their full employment potential by offering career planning and employment programs. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact the Ministry at 1-833-613-0485 or [email protected] to book an appointment to discuss available programs and services.
To learn more about inclusive employment, visit www.employlink.ca, a website that can help employers meet labour market needs by connecting with employment professionals.
