Exceptional employers from four BC communities are being recognized for embracing inclusion and helping adults with developmental disabilities to have a greater sense of community and belonging in their workplace.
The four employers are being honoured through CLBC’s sixth annual Widening Our World (WOW) Awards. This year’s theme focused on inclusive employment. As part of the Community Action Employment Plan, the 2014 award nomination process invited anyone to nominate an employer who they think is helping to build workplaces where the adults CLBC serves feel welcome, valued and respected.
The winners are:
- Kris Krentz, Manager, RONA, Chilliwack
- Chris Boehm, Owner, Burger 55, Penticton
- Muncie Booth, Owner/Kim Cooper, Manager, McCleery Golf Course, Vancouver
- Al Avila, Manager, Shoppers Drug Mart, Kamloops
Over 80 nominations were received and awards will be handed out and celebrated in each winner’s home town in January and February. Nominations of inclusive employers or co?workers were submitted throughout Community Living Month in October. An evaluation committee of community and family members, community council members, CLBC staff, service providers and individuals served by CLBC selected the 2014 award winners.
CLBC views meaningful employment as a big part of inclusion and promoting good lives in welcoming communities. Employment leads to numerous quality of life outcomes, including financial well?being, relationships and belonging.
CLBC and its community partners released the three-year Employment Action Plan in March 2013 to help increase the number of job opportunities for adults CLBC serves who want to work.
Quotes:
Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation Michelle Stilwell
“In B.C., we have the goal of becoming the most progressive place for people with disabilities in Canada. It’s great to see these four inclusive employers getting this award. They are all breaking down barriers to employment and recognizing that there is a business case for hiring from the disability community.”
Seonag Macrae, CEO, Community Living BC
“I want to congratulate this year’s WOW Award winners and everyone that nominated them. The effort made by these employers to promote inclusion and provide meaningful employment opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities helps in raising community awareness about the important of inclusion in communities across the province.”
The Case for Inclusive Hiring
- A DuPont study showed that 82 per cent of workers who have a disability scored average or above average in performance ratings.
- A Harris study showed that 55 per cent of employers say that workers who have a disability work harder than other employees.
- Most job accommodations to help someone with a disability at work cost less than $500.
- According to the DuPont survey, 86 per cent of employees who have a disability have average to above average attendance records.
- Research shows 80 per cent of consumers prefer to support businesses with diverse workforces.
Contact:
Community Living BC
Communications
604-209-7608