Four Employers Honoured; Disability Tool Kit Launched

Disabled Persons Commission--Four Employers Honoured; Disability Tool Kit Launched

Four employers from the Halifax Regional Municipality were recognized today at an appreciation luncheon for their commitment to hiring people with disabilities.

Also at today's ceremony, the Nova Scotia Disabled Persons Commission, in partnership with the Maritime School of Social Work, launched the Disability Employment Tool Kit.

The tool kit was developed by Dr. Joan Cummings in co-operation with representatives of the disability community. It provides a ready-to-use resource that helps make the employment connection, both for job seekers with disabilities and for employers. It is also a resource for professionals who provide employment- assistance services to people with disabilities. The tool kit is available in both print and CD-ROM format.

"I am extremely impressed with the quality of the tool kit," said Peter Christie, Minister responsible for the Disabled Persons Commission Act. "Having such a resource will help persons with disabilities make the transition to self-sufficiency."

The employers -- Atlantic Superstores, Staples Inc., Sheraton Halifax Hotel and Convergys Customer Management Canada Inc.
have participated in a Skills Training Partnership (STP) Initiative.

The program is sponsored by TEAM Work Co-operative in partnership with the Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work (CCRW), and Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC). This initiative has provided 48 jobs for individuals with disabilities since the program began in 1999.

"This program has provided me with an opportunity for full-time, meaningful employment that has been very difficult for me to attain," said John Naugler, a successful participant in the initiative who was recently promoted within his department at Staples Inc. Mr. Naugler accommodates his disability by using a 22-inch computer monitor and closed-circuit television provided by the federal Opportunities Fund.

"Human Resources Development Canada is proud to be a partner in these activities," said Jane Stewart, federal Minister of Human Resources Development. "Our goal is to provide equitable opportunities and resources to support persons with disabilities in their participation in the labour market and the community."