October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM), and at last night's meeting of Swift Current city council, Jayda Watson and Jackie Powell from SaskAbilities - Partners in employment were on hand to celebrate the month, speak about some of the initiatives that will be taking place, and proclaim this week, October 17 - 23 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month Week in the city.

Watson, Program Manager at SaskAbilities, spoke about an untapped workforce in those experiencing disability.

"We know that there are more than 5.3 million Canadians living with some form of disability and that we have an untapped workforce right here in Swift Current and southwest Saskatchewan of job seekers of all abilities. Partners in Employment supports over 1,200 job seekers each year in meaningful and sustainable employment."

She added that staff retention is 72 percent higher in those experiencing disability and that DEAM is an opportunity for employers to give some thought to how they can create a representative workforce that uses the talents of all individuals, including those experiencing disability.

Some of the upcoming events in DEAM include a new event that will be going national this year for the first time. The "Light it up for NDEAM" initiative will see a number of businesses on Thursday in the blue and purple colours of DEAM. Participating Swift Current locations include Original Joes, Standard Motors, Sarcan and Partners in Employment.

On that same day, SARC Saskatchewan's "Why it pays to be inclusive" virtual lunch and learn, where a number of speakers will be on hand to discuss their experience with inclusive employment and the benefits of a diverse workforce.

Powell, Partners in Employment Supervisor, believes that supported employment helps people who are experiencing disability connect with their community in ways that they otherwise would have limited access to. By meeting new people, the workplace becomes not only a type of social network for them but also gives them a sense of purpose since what we do is often a large part of our identity.

She added that one of the big events that they are looking forward to is the SCBEX awards, where they will be celebrating the three finalists for the Employer of Persons Experiencing Disability award: Home Inn & Suites, Servicemaster Clean and Canadian Tire.

Next week, another local employer; Original Joe's restaurant will be receiving the Saskatchewan Inclusive Advantage award for their efforts in hiring persons with disabilities.

"Swift Current is an amazing community and we value all of the employers that we've been able to work with in the past and look forward to working with new ones in the future."