Here’s to those employers who put abilities first

Recently, I had the opportunity to speak to theDevelopmental Services Act; although the bill is flawed, I took much of my time to highlight some of the great folks involved with programs for people with disabilities.

One interest I have with respect to people with disabilities is the opportunity that is out there that comes from the private sector. I'm referring to those good employers who take the interest and go out of their way to bring somone onto their team, to help out in their workplace.

And this kind of program, from my perspective, isn't necessarily about the money. It's an opportunity for young people to join a grocery store chain, for example, to assist in that particular role or slot within that organization. They gain so much more than a paycheque. They gain the benefits of a work environment. They're able to access the camaraderie, and the esprit de corps, in a well-run organization.

A few weeks ago I attended the second annual Abilities First employer awards evening. The mission of this agency is to continue to develop and improve on the relationships between employers in the community and people with disabilities.

One of the recipients that evening in Brantford was InStore Focus –my son Brett is part of that organization. I'm proud to see that both my son and the people from InStore Focus were at this awards ceremony to be duly recognized for what they are able to accomplish.

This employer gives our son an opportunity to go to work, to be part of a team. It also allows him that independence that is so important to my son and all of us for that matter. He grew up on a farm. He's not afraid of work, and has never allowed his visual impairment, to get in the way of his ambitions.

Through Abilities First and other programs, employers can tap into a labour pool full of eager, enthusiastic young people. I know that many companies, many employers, help spread the word to others: "Just take that step. Just consider what you can do because of those young people that are out there."

With respect to my staff in my constituency office, a few years back a young man was accessing help from our office. He had a number of issues. My staff, to their credit, took this fellow under their wings and set up a program with Ontario Works so that Ken could do his volunteer hours in my office.

We cannot get along without him. Ken is there first thing each morning. If I need to know what is going on locally, I ask Ken. Ken is downtown Simcoe; he's out and about; he reads all the papers and he fills me in.

He has proved to be invaluable. When something important needs to be done, Ken has pulled that off for us.

I can understand why he comes in every morning: a sense of belonging, a sense of accomplishment. On those occasions when Ken isn't able to come to the office in the morning, my staff is concerned.

I believe everyone should have the right to work to the best of his/her abilities, and the right to be part of a team and to form friendships and to be a full working member of our society.