Often, what is needed is an opportunity to get hands-on experience in a real work setting. This is where local employers can get involved. Through voluntary placement and employment, local companies play a vital role in changing our client's lives, giving them the chance to start again, and proving that the word "disability" does not mean "no ability".
Employers involved in our programs have not been disappointed. They have witnessed the enthusiasm our clients bring to the workplace, and have watched workers gain confidence as they become valuable assets within their host companies.
Why hire workers with disabilities?
People with disabilities have significant experience with creative problem solving, one of the skills employers identify as crucial in meeting changing customer needs and competitive challenges.Hiring persons with disabilities builds a company's reputation in the community for diversity, respect and non-discriminatory values.
Employees with disabilities build the morale within a company, through demonstrating powerful motivation and a unique life perspective to their coworkers, supervisors and customers.
Worksites which accommodate workers with disabilities are fully prepared to welcome customers and business contacts with similar needs.
In a study by DuPont, employees with disabilities averaged a higher job retention rate, saving their employers hiring and retraining costs due to employee turnover.
Hiring job seekers with disabilities opens the door to 12% of the Canadian population with skills and capabilities that have been underutilized in the past.
Employees with disabilities contribute to a positive organizational culture that builds upon the diverse strengths of workers and is resilient in the face of change.
VIVRS Support
To assist employers involved with our programs, VIVRS offers:- WCB insurance coverage during volunteer work placements, eliminating any liability for employers taking advantage of our programs
- Education and support in dealing with the specific needs of workers with disabilities
- On-site support by VIVRS counsellors for new trainees
- Situational assessments of client performance on the job
- Development of training plans
- Sponsorship of short-term employment related training (such as Foodsafe, keyboarding etc.)
Success Story: Chad and Little Caesar's
Chad's speech impairment affected his progress at school, and made it difficult for him to obtain ongoing employment using his skills. Chad had some experience as a stock person and food prep worker, and had been FoodSafe certified through Malaspina University-College. Through assessment, Chad and VIVRS identified that he was well-suited to preparing food in a restaurant.VIVRS approached Little Caesar's Pizza in 2004 to see if hands-on training could be set up at their restaurant. The restaurant owners met with Chad, and believed that he had the skills necessary to be a success on their team. A six week, part-time training program was set up, introducing Chad to every aspect of preparing, cooking and packaging pizzas. The environment was ideally suited to Chad's needs, and he began volunteering at the restaurant. During the training period, VIVRS provided assistance with training, support for both Chad and the employer and liability insurance through WCB.
Chad impressed Little Caesars' owners from the beginning, and when his training was finished he was offered paid, part-time employment.
Since Chad's placement, Little Caesar's has hosted an additional nine trainees, hiring four during the past two years. This employer is pleased with VIVRS' ability to pre-screen candidates, provide ongoing support and set up opportunities for both the employer and worker to 'try it out' to see if the job is a good fit for that individual.
As for Chad, he is still working at Little Caesar's, and could not be happier.