Released on October 1, 2015
The Government of Saskatchewan is pleased to proclaim the month of October as Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM).The goal of the month is to raise awareness of the employment barriers that many people with disabilities face, and promote strategies and services that eliminate these barriers ultimately creating more inclusive and diverse workplaces.
“We want Saskatchewan to be a place of prosperity, where everyone can achieve their training and employment goals,” Minister responsible for Immigration, Jobs, Skills and Training Jeremy Harrison said. “I am proud that Saskatchewan is leading the nation with the highest employment rate for people with disabilities in the country and helping meet Saskatchewan’s growing labour market demands.”
In June 2015, a Citizen Consultation Team presented government with Saskatchewan’s Disability Strategy. One of the strategy’s recommendations is to expand opportunities for people experiencing disability to be involved in the labour market.
“The Disability Strategy identifies a variety of ways for people who experience disability to continue to contribute to our province’s economy,” Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer said. “DEAM is just one of the ways that we can all become a little more aware of the opportunities we can provide for people experiencing disability. Together, we can make life better for everyone – while also helping to make Saskatchewan’s diverse workforce even stronger.”
“We are very pleased that October 2015 has been proclaimed ‘Disability Employment Awareness Month’ as it will raise awareness with employers about hiring people experiencing disability,” Saskatchewan Association of Rehabilitation Centres (SARC) Executive Director Amy MacNeil said. “People experiencing disability want to work, and many SARC Member Agencies across Saskatchewan provide the services needed for these people to obtain and maintain meaningful employment. In a growing economy and aging population, the labour shortage is often a reality for many businesses in Saskatchewan. People experiencing disability provide a skilled and engaged workforce solution.”
For more information about employment for people with disabilities, please visit www.sarcsarcan.ca/pages/deam.
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For more information, contact:
Deb Young
Economy
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4765
Email: deb.young@gov.sk.ca
Nicole Linzmeyer
Saskatchewan Association of Rehabilitation Centres
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-933-0616 ext. 239
Email: nlinzmeyer@sarcan.sk.ca
Leya Moore
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3610
Email: leya.moore@gov.sk.ca