TORONTO, March 28 /CNW/ - Persons with disabilities have the largest unemployment rate of any definable group in our society.

"At the height of the Great Depression, the national unemployment rate hit 24 percent of the workforce.  Today, in Ontario, however, the raw numbers tell us that the unemployment rate for people with disabilities is even more at 25 percent," quotes The Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, the Honourable David C. Onley.

He continues:  "This represents the largest single minority group on the province.  It is also the only minority group in existence that any single person could join just by tripping on the sidewalk, slipping on the snow, going to a doctor, having an assessment made of a condition, or a car accident or an injury... Just name it, the only minority group that any of us could join in an instant."

His Honour David C. Onley, the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, has been a long-time supporter of Ontario JOIN and its activities.

On Wednesday, March 30, 2011, Ontario JOIN (Job Opportunity Information Network) will be responding to the Perpetual Depression by holding the first ever "Career Fair for Job Seekers with Disabilities" in Toronto from 10:00 a.m. till 4:00 p.m. at On the Park Events and Conference Centre, 1095 Leslie Street.  The intent of the day is "Connecting Employers with Job Seekers with Disabilities."  Business leaders from Ontario's private, public and non-profit sectors will come together today for this very important event.

"At Scotiabank, we have discovered that tapping into a diverse talent pool, including those with disabilities, fosters great workplaces and great customer experiences," said Cory Garlough, Vice President, Global Employment Strategies, Scotiabank. As a member of the advisory committee for the JOIN Career Fair, we applaud JOIN for providing a career fair that creates a unique opportunity for both job hopefuls and potential employers to create meaningful, mutually-beneficial relationships."

Ontario JOIN is expecting over 2,000 job seekers with disabilities who have been caught in the challenges of the current Perpetual Depression.  They are hoping to connect with employers who will be attending.  In addition, throughout the day job seekers are invited to participate in several workshops delivered by Ontario's business leaders.  The topics will include:  Roles in the Hospitality Industry, The Importance of Reasonable Accommodation and Disclosure, The Importance of Research and Resumes - How to Fit the Role, Working Differently - Paving Your Own Way, What I look for in an Employee, Behavioural Based Interviews, Competency Based Hiring, Self-Employment Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities.

A special designated area for disability-owned enterprises will also be featured.

About JOIN - The Ontario Job Opportunity Information Network

JOIN is a network of 22 agencies who offer employment services to job seekers and employers. JOIN assists persons living with a disability to find and maintain work, and assists employers in recruiting these qualified candidates to satisfy their hiring needs. www.joininfo.ca