If you are an employer in the current labour market, you have probably already experienced (or soon will) problems recruiting and hiring staff. One untapped resource that employers tend to overlook is persons with disabilities. In British Columbia this amounts to a pool of approximately 300,000 individuals. Employers often misunderstand the abilities and potential of persons with disabilities. In fact, a recent study showed that:

• 90% of persons with disabilities rated average or better on job performance than their non-disabled colleagues.
  
• 86% of persons with disabilities rated average or better on attendance.
  
• 98% of persons with disabilities rated average or better in work safety than their non-disabled colleagues.
  
• 90% of employers had no change in their insurance costs when they employed persons with disabilities.
  
• The majority of employed persons with disabilities require no workplace accommodations whatsoever, and of those who do, often simple adjustments in furniture are all that is necessary.

Finding and keeping employees is expected to become increasingly problematic as our population ages and birthrates and immigration decline or plateau. By hiring persons with disabilities, employers can benefit from:

• Knowledgeable and skilled employees. 34,000 British Columbians with disabilities have college degrees, 30,000 have trade certificates, and 28,000 have university degrees. These are virtually the same educational achievements as those without disabilities.
  
• Increased staff morale. Encouraging diversity and inclusiveness creates a positive environment for all employees.
  
• Being seen as a socially aware and active corporate citizen.
  
• An enhanced relationship with private and non-profit organizations in British Columbia that offer employer supports for persons with disabilities.

The NEWS program has some funds to provide worksite accommodations to assist persons with disabilities participating in the wage subsidy program. For more information, please call your local NEWS Service Coordinator. Janet is in Courtenay at 250 703-0277, and Kathie is in Campbell River at 250 287-3557.

The following links can provide you with more information on hiring persons with disabilities:
www.workablesolutionsbc.ca Provides a site to post employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, as well as information and resources on hiring and working with persons with disabilities.
www.at-links.gc.ca Provides information about assistive technologies.
www.pwd-online.ca Provides a full range of information on disability-related programs and services in Canada.
Organizations are strengthened when diversity in the workforce is fostered.