Pictou County is lighting it up for National Disability Employment Awareness Month

On Oct. 21 businesses, organizations and public offices in Pictou County will be lighting up blue and purple for National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM).

“The whole idea is to acknowledge and promote the contributions and inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace,” says Reshmu Myers, an employer engagement specialist with Nova Scotia Works: Career Connections.

The Oct 21 event, Light It Up! For NDEAM first took place last year but was only Ontario-wide, this year they are asking the other provinces to join them.

“It’s like making history together as a country because it is the first time this has ever happened,” says Myers.

Over 10 places in Pictou County have signed up to participate, a large amount compared to other areas in the country.

Myers says the month allows communities to come together and talk about the barriers those with disabilities face when it comes to employment, and how they can overcome them.

“It’s OK that someone has a disability, it’s good to create a workplace with inclusion.”

When it comes to disability employment, the conversation is not just limited to disabilities that are predominantly physical. Other disabilities could include anxiety, depression and learning disabilities, and not all disabilities are easily visible.

At Career Connections, which has a New Glasgow office, they help clients find meaningful and valuable work while also supporting and providing resources for employers.

Myers says both disabled employees and their employers can find success in each other, breaking down stereotypes employers may have.

“Be understanding, be open-minded and support and appreciate people with disabilities because they contribute a lot.”

One Pictou County business participating is River Run Cafe, a social enterprise run by Riverview Home Corporation.

They currently have six residents that have various jobs in relation to the cafe.

Some bring the baked goods down in the morning, a couple of them do some cleaning and others work up front.

Recently they hired one resident to work part-time at minimum wage, which is huge for them.

“People with diverse abilities can run the cafe, and do a great job,” says Jocelyn Tye, social enterprise coordinator for Riverview Home.

“As a community we all need to understand that people with different skills can be, and are, great employees that add value to our businesses and that when we have high expectations, people step up and learn and succeed.

“When we are open to successful outcomes, people show us that they are ready to succeed and be more included in our community because of their skills and work. Then, we all win.”