Currently, almost 16% of Canadians identify themselves as having a disability. That is equal to the combined populations of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. It is the largest minority in the Country. When you add family and loved ones, 53% of the population is directly affected by disability.
Globally, there are 1.3 million people who report having a disability. When combined with family and loved ones, they control over $8 trillion US in disposable income.
It is projected that over 20% of the population in Canada will have a disability by 2020. Couple that with the Conference Board of Canada’s prediction that by the same year, there will be a one-million worker shortfall, and it is clear that business will need to enhance their understanding of disability to increase market share and meet future labour needs.
Let us show you how your business can benefit by including people who have a disability in your workforce.
Return on Investment
What is the return on investment or benefits to employers for hiring people with disabilities?
The following are some of the benefits as reported by employers.
Hiring people with disabilities:
- contributes to a better rate of attendance, punctuality, employee morale, teamwork and safety in the workplace.
- often leads to a reduction in staff turnover; people with disabilities have proven to be skilled and loyal employees.
- shows that the company values diversity and is a tangible example of good corporate citizenship.
- increases the purchasing power for individuals with a disability and their families.
- reflects the demographics of your community, and enhances the community’s understanding of people with disabilities.
- may free up resources to complete other tasks and increase productivity.
- allows the person with a disability to be a role model to the staff and community and others with a disability.
- may include free corporate marketing when your new employee talks about where they work.
- may require accommodations for your new employee, but the change may make your company more robust, innovative and adaptive.
“We have found that companies that perform well in disability are highly responsive to their customers, and thus outperform peers in revenue growth.”
Rich Donovan
Founder of Fifth Quadrant Analytics
Mark Wafer, previous owner of seven Tim Horton stores and a Champion for Rotary at Work in Toronto has hired 86 people with disabilities in the past 16 years. He had this to say about one of his employees;
“I have watched Clint gain confidence and independence as well as become more mature and responsible during his 16 years with me at Tim Hortons. He deserves and appreciates the opportunity to work more than anyone I know.”
http://www.supportedemployment.ca/why-would-i-hire-someone-with-a-disability/
https://www.ontario.ca/page/people-disabilities
https://odenetwork.com/businesses/resources
