Ontario Recognizes National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Celebrating inclusive employment and highlighting the many contributions of workers with disabilities
October 6, 2020
TORONTO — Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility, issued the following statement:
“Our government is dedicated to helping create a society and economy that is more inclusive for everyone, especially people with disabilities and older Ontarians. By working together with municipal, business and community partners we can ensure people with disabilities can participate in their communities as fully as possible.
As we begin National Disability Employment Awareness Month, it is an opportunity to celebrate inclusive employment and highlight the many contributions of workers with disabilities. Everyone’s contributions need to be recognized in our society and in our province.
One of our government’s priorities is to change attitudes around hiring people with disabilities. We continue to engage with employers and partners to discourage stereotypes and promote the benefits of hiring people with disabilities, to improve the employment culture in Ontario.
There are so many ways that accessibility is good for businesses. When businesses are accessible and inclusive, they gain new talent and provide hardworking individuals with an opportunity to succeed and advance both professionally and personally.
Through our new framework, Advancing Accessibility in Ontario, we are enhancing employment opportunities for people with disabilities. For example, through the EnAbling Change Program we are supporting the expansion of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s Discover Ability Network to connect employers with job seekers and increase inclusive hiring. In the coming weeks, we will be engaging with partners within and beyond government to shed more light on how accessibility and inclusivity benefits us all.
Our government is proud to recognize the skills and talents of Ontarians with disabilities, and thank them for strengthening our economy and communities. I would also like to thank the businesses and employers that are making changes to advance accessibility and inclusion in our workforce. As we emerge from this pandemic, your efforts to enrich Ontario’s workplace culture are especially important and appreciated.”
View the Minister’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month video.