Ontario Celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month

NEWS RELEASE – October 3rd, 2023

AJAX, ON – The Ontario government is recognizing National Disability Employment Awareness Month throughout October by promoting the benefits of hiring people with disabilities and creating inclusive workplaces.

“The late David Onley, Ontario’s former Lieutenant Governor said to me, the best thing we can do for people with disabilities is to provide good paying jobs and meaningful training,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “Our government is working hard to ensure businesses are more accessible and inclusive for people of all abilities.”

“October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, a time to reflect upon ensuring inclusive workplaces,” said Patrice Barnes, MPP for Ajax. “When people with disabilities find jobs, they can be more involved with their communities. Our government is proud to be celebrating this month, joining in on the Ontario Disability Employment Network’s Light It Up! for NDEAM event. Additionally, buildings across Ontario will be lit blue in recognition of this month.”

Hiring employees of all abilities helps employers meet their goals and boosts productivity and innovation. During October and throughout the year, Ontario is making workplaces more accessible and inclusive for everyone by funding and promoting inclusive employment opportunities, including:

Supporting 3,770 people with disabilities to find meaningful jobs in their communities by investing $6.5 million through the Skills Development Fund Training Stream for five innovative projects.
Giving businesses the resources to hire and create more inclusive workplaces trough the Discover Ability Roadmap
Investing in the EnAbling Change Program to help make sectors more inclusive through projects including:
- the Ontario Tourism Education Corporation’s employer awareness campaign
- Retail Council of Canada’s “EnAbling Change for Retailers – Creating an Inclusive Culture within the Retail Store” project
- Peel Career Assessment Services Inc.’s “Ability Works” project to support equitable employment opportunities and inclusive employment
Providing career planning, skills assessments and counselling to help jobseekers with disabilities through Ontario Employment Assistance Services.
Creating awareness about how employers can access fresh talent and reach new customers by hiring people with disabilities.
Helping organizations ensure their hiring process is accessible with our Accessible Recruitment Process Checklist.
Delivering helpful information for employees about receiving accommodations in the workplace and for businesses and organizations about accommodation requirements.

Once again this year, the Ontario government will proudly participate in the Ontario Disability Employment Network’s Light It Up! For NDEAM event. On October 19, buildings across Ontario, including several provincial government buildings, will be lit in blue and purple to promote National Disability Employment Awareness Month and highlight inclusive employment.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Learn how you can make your organization more accessible and inclusive.

RELATED TOPICS

Home and Community

Information for families on major life events and care options, including marriage, births and child care. Also includes planning resources for municipalities. Learn more

MEDIA CONTACT/MORE INFORMATION

Sameer Awan | Manager of Stakeholder Relations, Executive Assistant & Office Manager

416-949-1261 | sameer.awan@pc.ola.org

Office of Patrice Barnes, MPP Ajax