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Rethinking disAbility in the Private Sector, from the Panel on Labour Market Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities

I am pleased to share with you the report, Rethinking disAbility in the Private Sector, from the Panel on Labour Market Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities: http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/consultations/reports/disabilities/rdsp.shtml

As you may know, the Panel was announced in the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan 2012 and launched in July with the appointment of its four Panel members.

Over the past months, the Panel travelled across Canada speaking to Canadian business leaders, representatives from associations and organizations, and individuals about best practices, successful approaches and barriers in the labour market participation of people with disabilities.

Overall, what we heard in the consultations might surprise you. For example:

· Hiring people with disabilities makes good business sense.

· There are myths and misconceptions in the business community about the costs and risks associated with hiring people with disabilities.

· In half of the cases, there are no costs to accommodate a person with disabilities, but on average the cost is $500, an investment easily returned by a loyal and engaged employee. This is good for your bottom line.

As you will see, the Panel’s report is aimed at Canadian business leaders and highlights the business case for hiring people with disabilities and provides employers with real life examples of best practices and successes shared by Canadian employers. The report also addresses common myths and misconceptions in the business community about the costs and risks associated with the hiring people with disabilities.

For more information on the Panel on Labour Market Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities, please visit its website at www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/consultations/panel/index.shtml

Please feel free to share the Panel’s report with your networks and contacts.

Sincerely,

Nancy Milroy-Swainson
Director General / Directrice générale
Office for Disability Issues / Bureau de la condition des personnes handicapées
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada / Ressources Humaines et Développement des compétences Canada