Beyond October: Keeping the Conversation Going on Disability Employment and Inclusive Workplaces
Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) is more than a month of recognition. It is an opportunity to keep the conversation going about inclusive employment, accessibility, and the contributions people with disabilities bring to the workplace.
For many people, meaningful employment can provide more than a paycheque. It can build confidence, independence, connection and a sense of purpose. Yet barriers to employment can make finding and maintaining work more difficult for some Albertans with disabilities.
That is why awareness needs to lead to action.
The Government of Alberta recognizes DEAM as an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of workers with disabilities, encourage inclusive hiring, and bring employers, service providers, government and community organizations together to create greater employment opportunities.
Keeping the Conversation Going in Calgary and Edmonton
At Open Door Group, we believe the conversation should continue well beyond October.
Through our employment programs in Calgary and Edmonton, we work alongside Albertans who are experiencing barriers to employment related to disability. Our teams provide individualized employment support, opportunities to build skills and confidence, connections to employers, and resources to help people move toward their employment goals.
In Calgary, WorkABility helps people with disabilities explore their strengths, prepare for employment and connect with meaningful opportunities.
In Edmonton, Pathways provides employment-focused supports designed to help people build skills, confidence and connections as they work toward their goals.
This work is made possible through partnerships with the Government of Canada and the Province of Alberta, helping bring employment supports into communities where Albertans can access them.
And the work isn't only about job seekers. We also work with employers to encourage more accessible and inclusive approaches to hiring and employment.
Because inclusive employment starts when we recognize potential, not limitations.
The Government of Canada has similarly highlighted the contributions people with disabilities bring to Canada's workforce, including their talent, creativity and problem-solving skills.
Looking for Support? Take the Next Step.
If you're an Albertan with a disability and you're experiencing barriers to employment, you don't have to figure it out alone.
Open Door Group can help you explore your options, identify your strengths, build employment skills, connect with employers, and take the next step toward meaningful work.
You don't need to have everything figured out before reaching out.
You just need to be ready to take the next step.
Whether that step is building confidence, updating your resume, exploring a new career direction, or connecting with an employer, support is available.
DEAM may happen in October, but inclusive employment is a conversation we need to keep having all year long.
Together, we can keep opening doors to opportunity for Albertans.
