New Study Reveals Out-dated Stigmas are the Number One Obstacle to Hiring

TORONTO, Nov. 5 /CNW/ - Job prospects for Ontarians living with a disability are taking another step forward today as more than 150 Toronto businesses and 300 delegates gather to address issues related to hiring people with disabilities. These discussions will take place at the Job Opportunity Information Network (JOIN) Toronto Region annual Employer Conference. Those attending included industry leaders, business leadership networks, government, and community based organizations.

"We've learned that many employers recognize the value that people with disabilities can provide in a workplace. But out-dated stigmas are still the number one barrier to jobs in Toronto," said Susan Howatt, Chairperson, JOIN Toronto Region Board of Governors. "That's why today's conference is so important. People living with a disability represent the largest, untapped human resources pool in Canada and they deserve a chance."

In conjunction with the conference, JOIN is releasing highlights of an extensive employer survey conducted by COMPAS Research Inc. that confirms a major reason executives often don't hire people with disabilities is that they are often anxious about how to handle potential underperformance issues.

"Today's conference highlights the importance of partnerships in providing opportunities for all Ontarians," said Minister of Community and Social Services, Madeleine Meilleur. "As our government moves forward with accessibility legislation, we will continue to work with organizations like JOIN to help businesses break down barriers and tap into the extraordinary talent that can be gained from hiring people with disabilities."

"Equipping employers and employees with the proper tools and training they need to ensure bias-free recruitment and hiring, and establishing a work environment where all employees can achieve their professional potential is something that Scotiabank takes very seriously," said Sylvia Chrominska, Scotiabank Group Head, Global Human Resources and Communication. "Scotiabank is proud to support the JOIN conference and the doors it opens through facilitating conversations between potential employers and employees."

Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work, both in Canada and abroad. Recognized as a leader internationally and among Canadian corporations for its charitable donations and philanthropic activities, in 2008 the Bank provided about $43 million in sponsorships and donations for a variety of projects and initiatives, primarily in the areas of healthcare, education, social services and arts and culture.

Join is a network of agencies offering employment assistance services to both employers and people with disabilities. The efforts of JOIN, and its partners, have resulted in over 2,000 Torontonians living with a disability gaining employment. JOIN has 23 member agencies across Toronto and is funded through the Ministry of Community and Social Services.