Did you know that September is Disability Employment Month? In September 2014 the BC Government released Accessibility 2024, which is a 10 year action plan focused on making B.C.; “the most progressive place for people with disabilities in Canada by 2024”.
Here are some interesting facts about employment for people who identify as having a disability in B.C.:
- There are more than 546,000 people in B.C. over the age of 15, who identify as having a disability—that’s almost 15%.
- The employment rate for people with disabilities (aged 15 to 64 years) is 18 percentage points lower than for people without disabilities.
- On average, the total cost to accommodate an employee with a disability is under $500.
- Consumers with disabilities in Canada spend $25 billion a year and growing.
- Since April 2012, the Employment Program of BC and associated local WorkBC Employment Service Centres have helped nearly 8,000 people with disabilities reach their employment goals.
- Since 2012, more than $1.34 million has been spent assessing technology needs and providing assistive technology to almost 600 job seekers with disabilities through the Employment Program of BC.
Source: https://news.gov.bc.ca/stories/creating-opportunities-disability-employment-month
Here at the Career Centre, as your WorkBC Employment Services Centre, we offer assistance to anyone who is looking for employment and is currently unemployed or working under 20 hours per week. We can assist job seekers with diverseabilites and we also offer support to employers looking to hire.
We have programs and initiatives available to assist persons with diverseabilities reach their employment goals.
In addition, the Career Centre works with various service providers that provide support for persons with diversabilities including Vancouver Island Vocational and Rehabilitation Services (VIVRS) and Island Deaf and Hard of Hearing Centre (IDHHC). Contact the Career Centre at 250.248.3205 or email info@careercentre.org for more information.
