September is Disability Employment Month in British Columbia

March of Dimes Canada would like to salute job hunters and workers with disabilities, employers who are committed to creating inclusive and accessible workforces, and all the dedicated people who work in the disability employment services sector in the province (including the members of our team!)

People with disabilities face unique barriers when looking for work. That’s why March of Dimes Canada welcomed the release of British Columbia’s Budget 2021: Stronger BC for Everyone in April.

The budget includes investments in increasing access to meaningful employment, including $32 million over three years for skills training initiatives and $68 million over three years for youth employment programs.

We encourage Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training Hon. Anne Kang to consider the needs of people with disabilities in the rollout of these new programs.

COVID-19 has radically altered the way Canadians work and search for jobs. Virtual job interviews, networking over Zoom, and working from home at your kitchen table are part of the new normal.

During the pandemic, remote work has opened new employment doors for people with disabilities. They can work in the comfort and safety of their own homes and use the accessible devices and equipment they need. As offices reopen and many people leave their kitchen tables, we hope remote work will remain an option for people with disabilities – and all those who prefer to work from home.