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The BC government has made it their mission to become the most progressive place in Canada for people with disabilities, and has taken steps towards achieving that goal through Accessibility 2024, a 10-year action plan to make the province a more accessible, inclusive place for people with disabilities, according to Anne McMenamin, client services manager at  WorkBC’s Fort St. John office.

September is Disability Employment Month, and McMenamin spoke to council on August 26, about the work that Northeast Employment Connects is doing to help eliminate barriers to employment in the area.

“We at Employment Connections North Corp and WorkBC want to raise awareness of the skills and abilities people with disabilities can bring to the workplace, and encourage businesses to build inclusive, diverse workforces,” said McMenamin.

Since launching the program in April 2012, WorkBC employment services has made significant gains in the quality and flexibility of services offered to people with disabilities.

“Accessibility and individualized services and supports are crucial to the success of client with disabilities, and we continue to focus on them as part of our ongoing commitment to enhance client services,” she said.

The Northeast WorkBC Centre has provided services to 818 clients in Fort St. John who identify as having a disability since 2019 and has also provided more than $715,000 in financial supports.

These supports include, among others, specialized assessments, job development supports, customized employment development services, unpaid work experience, occupational skills training, safety tickets and work clothing, and assistive technology services.

Northern Lights College, Alpha Training, Trojan Safety, AAA Safety and the Improvement Institute have all supported WorkBC’s Fort St. John clients by proving employment-related training.

Some of the over 20 local businesses which are building accessible work environments include; Lattitude56, Signature Sign Line, Epscan, Canadian Tire, Kandoo, District of Taylor, Peace Island Park, Mobile One, Safeway, Great Canadian Oil Change, Allied Answering Services, Home Hardware, Peace Country Delite, Wiggles & Giggles Daycare, SJA Promo, the Salvation Army and North Peace Dental.

“We would like to acknowledge all other local community service providers in our community who are supporting our clients to overcome barriers that impact their ability to find or keep employment.”

Council proclaimed September 2024 to be Disability Employment Month in the City of Fort St. John, and in recognition of this event, the Centennial Park Stage will be lit-up in purple on Saturday, September 7.