Swift Current city council will recognize October 19 to 25 as SaskAbilities Partners in Employment Disability Employment Awareness Week, highlighting the importance of inclusive hiring practices and employment accessibility for people of all abilities. Kim Furey, program manager with SaskAbilities, presented the proclamation during a council meeting on Tuesday, joined by Denise Cook, an employment specialist with Partners in Employment. The week falls within Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM), which has been officially recognized by the Government of Saskatchewan since 2010 and is part of a national campaign across Canada. “This month shines a spotlight on the benefits of inclusive hiring and the importance of providing employment opportunities for individuals of all abilities,” said Furey. More than 20 per cent of Canadians experience some form of disability — a number that continues to rise. Furey noted that the most common disabilities in Canada are often invisible, including chronic pain, mental health conditions, and limitations in flexibility and mobility. She added that many employers are unaware they already employ individuals with disabilities, as many conditions go unreported or undisclosed. With demographic shifts such as an aging population, declining birth rates and workforce shortages, Furey said tapping into the talents of people experiencing disability is not just a matter of equity, but a strategic necessity. Partners in Employment supports both job seekers and employers by providing resume assistance, interview preparation, job matching, and on-the-job training or mentoring. The organization also uses virtual reality tools to support career exploration and skill development in a safe and engaging environment. On the employer side, the organization helps businesses identify workplace accommodations and integrate inclusive practices. According to national data shared in the presentation, 56 per cent of accommodations cost nothing to implement, while most others are low-cost. Common examples include flexible scheduling, modified workspaces and the use of built-in technology. Furey noted that 85 per cent of employers report that providing accommodations helps them retain valuable employees, contributing to stronger teams and higher productivity. One of the highlights of the week will be Light It Up! For NDEAM (National Disability Employment Awareness Month) on Thursday, Oct. 16. The event encourages businesses, government buildings and community organizations to light up their buildings in purple or blue to show support for inclusive employment. Last year, Saskatchewan ranked third nationwide for participation, and SaskAbilities hopes to see even more community involvement this year. The City of Swift Current will once again light up its electronic billboard as part of the event. “Building a workforce without barriers strengthens workplace culture, helps attract and retain talent, and drives long-term business success,” said Furey. She thanked city council, local employers and community members for their continued support of inclusive employment initiatives.