Innovation + Diverse Human Capitol = Productivity Improvements

Increased loyalty, lower absenteeism and improved productivity are just a few of the many benefits that employers in Ontario have experienced when they have hired persons with disabilities, according to Business Takes Action.

Ritchie Khan, owner of Canadian Tire Pit Stop in Hamilton, Ont., is one of those employer champions who took action by hiring persons with disabilities and has experienced a 30 per cent increase in productivity! His store is rated one of the top three in Ontario. He boasts that he has gained "loyalty, commitment, respect and dependable staff - in return for principles you cannot put a dollar value on."

"What began as a one-year Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) initiative in 2007, with funding from the Ministry of Community and Social Services, has resulted in the creation of the first program to assist organizations in removing the physical and attitudinal barriers associated with hiring persons with disabilities," said Ian Howcroft, CME Ontario vice-president. The program, Business Takes Action (BTA), calls upon employers to "take action" by hiring, retraining, retaining, promoting and accommodating persons with disabilities."

In February, BTA unveiled its new and improved website, www.businesstakesaction.ca. Based on real success stories with proven statistical evidence, the interactive site offers tools, resources, monthly newsletters and a job portal for employers, support service providers and candidates. In addition, BTA offers educational workshops throughout communities in Ontario and partners with support service providers and employment lawyers to help you understand the new policy and legislation towards making Ontario barrier-free. A list of upcoming events is on the website.

According to the Ontario Human Rights Commission, a disability includes physical, mental and learning disabilities, mental disorders, hearing or vision disabilities, epilepsy, drug and alcohol dependencies, environmental sensitivities, as well as other conditions. There is a broad range of disabilities with respect to severity and visibility that affect 1.85 million people in Ontario, or one in seven people (source: Statistics Canada, PALS (2006)). In most cases, a disability does not affect overall performance, and studies have shown that persons with disabilities have lower worker absenteeism rates.

In June 2005, the Ontario government passed the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) into law. The first of its kind in Canada, it will establish accessibility standards in five areas: customer service, employment, built environment, information and communications, and transportation. The development of these standards is a long and in-depth process that requires the input of all stakeholders, including businesses, associations, not-for-profit organizations, and persons with disabilities. The goal of the AODA is to achieve a fully accessible Ontario by 2025 by identifying and removing barriers and implementing the standards.

The customer service standard was the first to be developed. It came into effect at the beginning of 2008. Public sector organizations, including municipalities, school boards, public hospitals, public transportation organizations, community colleges and universities must meet the legal requirements of the standard by January 1, 2010, and file a report in 2010. Private sector businesses including notfor- profits with 20 or more employees in Ontario must meet the legal requirements of the standard by January 1, 2012, and file a report in 2012.

Private sector businesses with one to 19 employees are exempt from filing a report, but are still responsible for complying with the standard by January 1, 2012.

Moving forward, BTA is here to help you understand that accessibility will expand your talent pool and let your customers, candidates and competitors know that you respect diversity and are an innovative leader. Start eliminating barriers today and connect with BTA as we attempt to dispel myths about hiring persons with disabilities. Membership is free. Review the job portal, add postings and register for events in your region at www.businesstakesaction.ca.

CME is Canada's leading trade and industry association and the voice of manufacturing and global business in Canada. For more information, contact Elaine Austin, Program Director, Business Takes Action, 905-672-3466 ext. 3227 or elaine.austin@cme-mec.ca.