Tremendous Economic Potential Among People with Disabilities

DISABLED PERSONS COMMISSION--Tremendous Economic Potential Among People with Disabilities

Nova Scotia has one of the highest rates of disability in Canada, with about one in five Nova Scotians reporting a disability. This group represents an economic force of tremendous potential, says Halifax resident Johanne Caron, a long-time advocate of employment for people with disabilities.

"We've got a very valuable workforce. People with disabilities are our next small business people, or the people who will make the next big scientific discovery."

Ms. Caron, a member of the Nova Scotia Disabled Persons Commission says that removing barriers pays off for employers as well as their employees.

"Over the years, I've worked in different organizations in every sector -- public, private, not-for-profit -- and in every one I've seen employment-related programs for people with disabilities succeed," she says.

For Ms. Caron, removing barriers means becoming more open to hiring and educating people with disabilities. Indeed, it was because of her interest in community economic development, employment and education for people with disabilities that Ms. Caron decided to get involved with the commission.

Her involvement and dedication is a real-life example of the theme for the 2004 International Day Of Disabled Persons -- Nothing About Us Without Us.

The International Day of Disabled Persons, Dec. 3, is set aside each year to celebrate and acknowledge the experience and capabilities of people with disabilities. The 2004 theme is a reminder that effective policies and programs depend upon collaboration among people with disabilities and all levels of government.

The ideas and perspectives of community members like Ms. Caron enable the Disabled Persons Commission to influence government decisions. Recently, for example, the commission provided input on the framework for an updated federal-provincial employment initiative for people with disabilities. This framework will support people with disabilities in becoming employed, succeeding in their jobs and remaining in the workplace. It will also assist employers as they get ready to hire people with disabilities.

Federal and provincial governments are working together to improve the employment situation for persons with disabilities under the Multi-lateral Framework for Persons with Disabilities. The new multi-lateral framework was developed after almost two years of discussions and extensive consultations with people in the disability community, including members of the Disabled Persons Commission.

Ms. Caron's work with the commission has focused on employment and education, both in terms of physical accessibility and attitudes toward disability. Her participation on the Disabled Persons Commission is one way she, as a person with a disability, can inform and guide policies and programs for persons with disabilities.

The Disabled Persons Commission was created in 1990 to advise the provincial government and educate Nova Scotians on issues concerning people with disabilities.