In time for Disability Employment Awareness Month (October), a new research project is asking inclusive employers to share how they are providing disability-inclusive employment options to British Columbians.
According to a media release from inclusion Powell River Society (iPR), the new inclusive economy research project will produce a set of promising practices for employers and entrepreneurs who want to be more inclusive and equitable. The two-year project is hosted by iPR, a nonprofit charitable organization founded in 1954, which promotes a safe, inclusive community where everyone belongs.
“It is essential that employers throughout BC are exposed to the opportunity that this project brings to light,” stated Arlette Raaen, board director and governance committee member for iPR. “With staff shortages, retention and recruitment issues being prevalent today, every potential solution warrants consideration. The new inclusive economy presents a solution that provides mutual benefits between employers and their prospective employees.”
Inclusive employers are looking for new possibilities around workplace accommodations, and the results of this project will help provide answers, the release stated. Research results of this project will be published and shared in the summer and fall of 2023.
“This is a very exciting project that draws on the existing practices of inclusive employers in BC to understand how other employers can become more equitable and inclusive of individuals with disabilities,” stated Nicholas Simons, minister of social development and poverty reduction and Powell River-Sunshine Coast MLA. “In addition, this project will help us understand what supports employers need to create and maintain a disability-inclusive workplace.”
The new inclusive economy project is funded through the Sector Labour Market Partnerships program, which is providing $803,014 toward this project.
“We are proud to fund research that will advance inclusive practices for BC-based employers through the Sector Labour Market Partnerships program, which invests in projects that help industry and employers understand and respond to labour market changes,” stated Anne Kang, minister of advanced education and skills training. “By investing in research like this, we gain valuable insight into how to make workplaces equitable, accessible, and meaningful for individuals with disabilities in British Columbia.”
All BC-based employers are encouraged to participate in the project and take the online survey at newinclusiveeconomy.ca/take-the-survey. The survey is open from September until mid-October 2022.
