Канада объявляет месяц осознанности в сфере занятости людей с инвалидностью

October Marks Disability Employment Awareness Month Published 6:30 am Tuesday, September 1, 2026 Every October, Canada joins the global conversation around inclusive workplaces as the country marks both Global Diversity Awareness Month and Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM). The two observances, while distinct, share a common thread: recognizing that diverse, accessible workplaces make for stronger communities and stronger economies. Global Diversity Awareness Month celebrates the innovation and impact that multicultural, diverse workforces bring to organizations of all sizes. DEAM, meanwhile, is squarely focused on employment inclusion — shining a light on the skills and contributions of workers with disabilities while pushing employers to adopt more equitable hiring practices. DEAM has deep Canadian roots. The observance was first proclaimed in 2010 by the Province of Manitoba and it’s now championed nationally by the Canadian Association for Supported Employment (CASE) through initiatives such as MentorAbility Canada, which connects employers and job seekers through short-term mentorship placements. Each October, CASE and its member organizations across the country share stories of disability-inclusive workplaces and the employees who make them thrive — part of a broader push to eliminate the barriers that keep people with disabilities out of the labour market. Campbell River is home to several such champions themselves. Based right here in town is Rivercity Inclusion where has been advocating for and delivering services to people with support needs since 1961. Its employment services cover the full journey including employment planning, resume preparation, interview coaching, job coaching and employer follow-up. These, alongside three social programs that provide real, paid work experience to those often excluded from the mainstream labour market make up a large part of their adult offerings. A faith-based charity serving Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and Vancouver Island, Communitas Supportive Care Society supports people living with developmental disabilities, acquired brain injuries and mental health challenges. Its employment programming includes both direct job support and Communitas Enterprises, including social enterprises spanning food service, landscaping, janitorial and vehicle maintenance — offering hands-on skills training that leads to meaningful, permanent employment. Also operating across the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island and the Okanagan, Pacific Coast Community Resources offers programming built around independence, self-growth and community integration for people with disabilities. Its services span home sharing, supported independent living, skill development and community inclusion programs, each shaped around the individual’s own goals, not a one-size-fits-all model. North Island Employment Foundations Society (NIEFS) has been connecting job seekers with employers on northern Vancouver Island since 1986, supporting more than 5,000 job seekers and 500 companies annually. Its services, delivered through Campbell River and Port Hardy offices, include one-on-one employment planning, skills training, wage subsidy programs and dedicated resources for job seekers with disabilities — plus an Employer Hub to help local businesses build inclusive hiring strategies. As October unfolds, organizations across Canada are encouraged to mark DEAM by connecting with local service providers, reviewing their own hiring practices and recognizing the employees with disabilities already contributing to their teams. Editor’s Note: The Mirror will feature a story each week on these organisations in the month leading up to October and DEAM.