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Manitoba Government Promotes Good Jobs for Manitobans During Disability Employment Awareness Month

The province is highlighting the contributions of people with disabilities to Manitoba’s labour market at a number of events throughout October, Jobs and the Economy Minister Theresa Oswald and Minister Responsible for Persons with Disabilities Jennifer Howard announced today to mark the start of Disability Employment Awareness Month.

“Every parent dreams that their children will get good jobs where they can contribute to their community,” said Minister Oswald.  “For people with disabilities, this dream can be more challenging to achieve.  Improving access to education and training means we are unlocking people’s potential and creating a stronger workforce.”

Minister Oswald added people with disabilities are a critical component of Manitoba’s Strategy for Sustainable Employment and a stronger labour market.

“We are making workplaces more accessible both by improving physical access and by changing the attitudes that sometimes keep people with disabilities from getting a good job,” said Minister Howard.  “By working with employers and educators, we are building a stronger and more diverse Manitoba which values the skills and contributions of all workers.”

Minister Howard pointed to the Transforming Futures program at Red River College as one example of how the province is training people for employment.  The program, funded by the province, is aimed at training people with intellectual disabilities to earn a diploma and enter the workforce.

Throughout October, people with disabilities and Manitoba businesses can participate in a number of events including:

• Face to Face Career Exploration sessions held in workplaces across Manitoba between Oct. 1 and 31, with specific information available by contacting 204-487-0307 in Winnipeg or info@deam-mb.ca;
• the OPUS Project, which provides supported training to individuals with intellectual disabilities, launching Oct. 2 at 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on the second floor, UFCW Training Centre,
  880 Portage Ave. in Winnipeg;
• the City of Winnipeg Career Symposium on Oct. 7 from noon to 7 p.m. on the third floor,RBC Winnipeg Convention Centre;
• the Celebrating Abilities conference from Oct. 7 to 9 in Thompson;
• a session on employment opportunities for people with disabilities in the Manitoba government on Oct. 15 from 10 a.m. to noon or 1 to 3 p.m. at 111 Lombard Ave. in Winnipeg;
• a breakfast session presented by the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, Protegra and Connect Employment Services, with Mark Wafer speaking about the advantages for businesses that choose to hire employees with disabilities, on Oct. 21 from 7:30 to 9 a.m.at the Radisson Hotel, 288 Portage Ave. in Winnipeg;
• the Ability Axis – Employment Expoto celebrate and advance the participation of people with disabilities in Manitoba’s workforce on Oct. 23 at the Victoria Inn, 1808Wellington Ave. in Winnipeg; and
• the 2014 Employer Awards on Oct. 30, in the Golden Boy Room (Room 50), Legislative Building,
  450 Broadwayin Winnipeg.