Our Vision for 2015
Every person with a developmental disability who wants a job has a job.
Real Work for Real Pay - Employment for People with Developmental Disabilities
Many people with developmental disabilities want to have a job, earn a wage, and be included and valued in their work. Despite this desire, the rate of people with developmental disabilities who are employed remains very low. Some believe that people with developmental disabilities should not or can not work, and this leads to limited choices and opportunities to become employed. Current research shows that, contrary to this myth, people with developmental disabilities make valuable contributions to their communities, families, and to their workplaces when they have the proper supports and services available to them.
At BCACL we believe that people with developmental disabilities can and should have as many opportunities to be employed as their non-disabled peers. With awareness and resources, employers in BC are willing to make reasonable accommodations to their employees. In turn, everyone in the workplace benefits from the value of diversity. The employee with a developmental disability gains confidence, independence and enjoys an increased income as a result. What's more, community workplaces begin to truly reflect the makeup of the people that live in that community.
Relevant policies and regulations, training and education, job supports and job-matching services can be designed to enable people to get and keep real jobs. Currently in British Columbia there are many opportunities for employment, as the economy continues to grow and create a higher demand for workers.
In many ways, British Columbia is in a good position to advance the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in the workforce. Click here to read the latest updates in this issue area.
What is BCACL doing?
BCACL's work on employment is guided by a group of thoughtful and committed volunteers who serve on our Income Security and Employment Committee. As with all areas of our work, we always work in partnership with people with developmental disabilities, their families, and member and community organizations to acheive our goals. Our work on community development and advocacy is complemented with project funding from both the Vancouver Foundation and the Office for Disability Issues.
Some of the key areas of focus for the 2008-2009 year are: