Video: It Makes Good Business Sense – Introduction to the It Is Possible Project
Backgrounder
The partners for the It is Possible project includes Corbrook, Starwood Hotel and Resorts, Geneva Center for Autism, Kerry’s Place Autism Services, and the Ontario Job Opportunity Information Network (JOIN). All work tirelessly in their efforts to support employment and inclusion for persons with disabilities. Despite their hard work over decades, the unemployment rates are not optimal, and at the very best disappointing. This project is a proactive reaction to the reality of the labour market’s absence of inclusion for two groups—persons living with developmental disabilities and autism. These two groups have the highest unemployment rate than any other sector, including those living with other disabilities.
The majority of Sensitivity and Awareness training and resources for improved employer engagement are generic, covering disability in a general all-purpose approach, as opposed to having a focus on persons living with developmental disabilities and autism. In addition, a lot of training comprises a one hour e-learning module in non-accessible formats with very little ability for the learner to comment and choose sessions most appropriate to their learning style and knowledge base.
Overall Objectives
The overall objective of the It is Possible Project is to create, produce and measure the impact of a multi-media resource toolkit to engage more employers in the recruitment, hiring and retention of persons living with development disabilities and living with autism.
The partners anticipate that the It is Possible Multi-media Resource Tool will:
- Increase employment opportunities for people living with developmental disabilities and autism
- Improve private sector awareness of the benefits of having an inclusive workforce
- Empower individuals with developmental disabilities and autism to become self sufficient
- Strengthen local community participation
- Be a fully accessible web-based tool that is easy to access and can be used by anyone
- Identify strategies to reduce employment barriers and increase job readiness for persons living with developmental disabilities and autism