The Power of Inclusive Hiring: Disability Employment Awareness Month 

Disability Employment Awareness Month

October marks Disability Employment Awareness Month, a time to recognize the impact of people with disabilities in the workforce and to bring awareness to the benefits of inclusive hiring.  

Inclusive Hiring 

Inclusive hiring isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s a smart business decision. According to Inclusion Canada, approximately 500,000 working-age Canadians have an intellectual disability yet only 1 in 4 are employed, even though many of them are ready, willing and able to work. 

Among all people with disabilities, those with intellectual disabilities face the highest rates of unemployment and are the least likely to secure meaningful employment. 

But it doesn’t have to be this way. Organizations that embrace inclusive hiring practices unlock access to an under-tapped talent pool, gain different perspectives for problem-solving, and help create a more accessible and inclusive world for all.  

How DASCH Supports Disability Employment 

DASCHWorks is our vocational training program that prepares people with intellectual disabilities to find meaningful work, connects them with compatible employers, and supports not only the person but also the employer throughout employment. 

Participants develop new skills, build confidence, and become part of a community through their training and job.  

DASCHWorks on the Job 

Sarah at DASCH 

Sarah knew she wanted a job; she just didn’t know what kind. DASCHWork’s gave her the opportunity to try out dozens of different types of jobs and skills that helped her discover the type of tasks she enjoyed.  

Sarah learned she liked data entry, filing, and other office administrative work. She’s also a very welcoming person, always making a point to say hello and ask how you are. This combination of strengths led her to a position as Front Desk Assistant here at DASCH’s Support Centre where she’s worked now for over a year. 

“I welcome people into the office, answer phones, make sure the front desk is tidy, and help out other departments with projects,” says Sarah.  

Overall, she says, her job is about making a positive impression for all guests and staff that walk through the front doors. 

“Watching Sarah’s confidence blossom over time has been truly amazing,” says Sandi, Executive Assistant at DASCH who worked at the front desk with Sarah when she started. “In the beginning, she was hesitant to answer the phone and would prefer to tackle other tasks, leaving calls to me. But as she honed her skills, she took on the challenge, efficiently redirecting calls and taking messages. Her growing ability to manage the desk independently reached a point where she could cover my morning break on her own, which was incredibly helpful. 

Sarah’s advice for others interested in joining DASCHWorks is simple: “Be yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. And don’t be afraid to try new things. Everybody is super, super nice and accommodating and you make new friends.” 

Heather at Red River Co-Op 

Heather has been learning and growing with DASCHWorks for over five years. When she first joined the program, it was operating out of a different location that shared space with the Scrap Came Back, a former DASCH social enterprise selling recycled and re-purposed art. Some of the items for sale were Heather’s creations and were one of her first opportunities earning some income.  

Last November, Heather landed a job at Red-River Co-op as a Courtesy Clerk where she enjoys helping customers and working with her team. 

“I feel good when I go to work. I’m making money and I feel more independent,” she says. 

Heather says PAES (Practical Assessment Exploration System), the hands-on job training program at DASCHWorks where participants work on real tasks using actual tools, was a great help in preparing for this position. 

“I learned all kinds of skills like computer skills, learning to file, literacy, learning to sew and math,” says Heather. 

She takes great pride and responsibility in her role, making sure every customer who comes through the door has a good experience. In the future, she hopes to become a cashier.   

“Heather’s individuality shines through when she is interacting with customers,” says her team. “She is such a grateful and joyous person, and she really loves it here at Co-Op. Heather is excited to learn more and move into another role once she masters the one she is currently in.” 

Join DASCHWorks 

For Employers 

Partnering with DASCHWorks connects employers to skilled, motivated candidates and helps foster a more inclusive and dynamic workplace. We support you and the employee throughout the hiring process and beyond. 

For Job Seekers

Our program guides each participant through a personalized experience that builds essential workplace and social skills through hands-on learning and mentorship. 

Support DASCHWorks

Want to see a more inclusive workforce? You can support DASCHWorks and the program participant with a donation to the DASCHWorks fund with the DASCH Foundation.