Sometimes, a disability is the only thing standing between a hard working person and a job. Impairments often deter employers from hiring qualified applicants sometimes because they simply cannot accommodate the person's special needs. GREAT's response to this employment barrier is the Disability Opportunity Initiative.

GREAT reviewed data from employment councillors, clients, health services and other organizations and realized there was a strong need for a specific initiative for people with disabilities. Although GREAT does not process applications for disability benefits, "We're able to use" disability dollars "for our programs like Training-on-the-Job or Purchase of Training" explains GREAT Programs and Services Officer Sheila Hill-Styres. "If someone is disabled and they have a barrier with sight, for example, and they need a special computer screen or program, that's something we would be able to assist with purchasing in order to help the person with the disability overcome that barrier to employment."

Through the Disability Opportunity Initiative GREAT may provide, as an example, extra funding dollars to extend the training period of a person with a learning disability. In another instance, someone in a wheelchair may require transportation to and from their training site, or an employer may need to purchase a special computer monitor for a visually impaired employee. It is important that job seekers with disabilities identify their impairment to their Programs and Services officer so that we can identify the barriers that need to be addressed in their employment plan.

GREAT addressed the disability employment barrier head-on last June though the development of the "Train the Trainer Employment Service Providers Workshop: Working with People with Disabilities". This workshop was developed in partnership with Oswe:ge and sponsored by HRDC with the goal of educating Aboriginal Human Resource Development holders about employment for disabled people. Mrs. Hill-Styres says "Judging by the responses and evaluations we did it was a really good workshop. It was very interactive and a lot of people said that they appreciated the awareness of disabled persons and the barriers they face with employment. Also, participants received enhanced ideas and initiatives to assist disabled clients within their own communities."

The Disability Opportunity Initiative gives employers who are willing to employ and accommodate disabled applicants the tools they need to provide meaningful employment for people who may not otherwise find work. Employers and job seekers interested in this initiative can contact Sheila Hill-Styres at GREAT for more information.

Train the Trainer Employment Service Providers Workshop: Working with People with Disabilities, Sault Ste. Marie

Melvin Maracle

After years of breathing harmful particles while welding aluminium, Melvin Maracle lost the use of one of his lungs. As a result of this workplace injury his breathing is now impaired and he is limited from engaging in many strenuous activities. One of his greatest challenges in recent years has been finding stable employment because few employers are willing to hire a person with limited physical capabilities.

Mr. Maracle approached GREAT several years ago seeking employment. After disclosing his disability, his employment councillor, Sheila Hill-Styres, helped him find a six-month placement through the Disability Opportunity Initiative. His placement at Six Nations Parks and Recreation allowed Melvin to work in an environment that is well suited to his skills. "I'd been looking for a job for a long time before I got this one" explains Melvin, "It was through GREAT. They helped me out quite a bit."

Six Nations Parks and Recreation appreciated Mr. Maracle's skills so much that they hired him in a full-time position. He is happy to say that he was awarded the position over other applicants based on his skills and experience and without continued support from GREAT. Melvin says that after 2 years of contract work with the organization he "could do the work. I knew what was going on and if I didn't have that (experience) they probably would have said no" to hiring him.

Mrs. Hill-Styres says that Melvin is a great success story for GREAT's Disability Opportunity Initiative. "Parks and Recreation just loves him, they think he's great. He does good work, he saves them money and he's very cost-effective for them." Melvin is a valued employee with a variety of skills. He cares for the lawns, arena ice, and building. He also maintains and repairs machinery and equipment and builds picnic tables for the parks.

Before his breathing became debilitated, Mr. Maracle owned and operated a restaurant as well as the Grand River Coffee Shop. He continues to operate his grass cutting businesses, R and M Clippers, during his time off from Six Nations Parks and Recreation. "I've been doing that for 21 years" says the entrepreneur, "I've had my own business and I just take the jobs that I'm able to do".

Melvin Maracle has not allowed his breathing disability to prevent him from working in a job he enjoys. By creating his own work, approaching GREAT, and pro-actively seeking full-time work, he has overcome one of the biggest barriers to employment.