Inclusive
Employment

At KES our goal is to help anyone of any ability achieve their employment goals, and assist businesses in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all staff.

Hiring a Person with a Disability

Kootenay Employment Services can assist by providing:

  • Job matching services – we match the person to the right job
  • A comprehensive analysis of tasks performed in certain employment positions
  • Assistance in training an employee with a disability by providing job coaching and monitoring

Accommodations that you may need to utilize including:

  • Adjusted work schedule to accommodate family and other responsibilities
  • Ergonomic workstations, keyboards and trays
  • Ergonomic chairs specific to each employee
  • Assistive technology eg. Book holder, large print resources, voice-activated software
  • Modifications to the workplace eg. Wheelchair ramps

Myths surrounding hiring someone with a disability.

Fact
Studies have shown that persons with disabilities are not absent any more than other employees, and in some cases, have a lower absenteeism rate.

Fact
 57% of employers spend nothing on workplace adaptions. Most workplace adaptations are low- or no cost.

The most frequently require workplace adaptations are:
– Flexible work schedules, such as modified or reduced hours
– Modified or different duties
– Special char or back support

KES can often help cover the costs of modifying the workplace if an employee requires support to be put in place.

Fact
Only 10.5 percent of persons with disabilities have mobility-related disabilities. 

Fact
Statistics show that persons with a disability have the same or sometimes higher retention rates, saving millions of dollars each year in recruitment and training costs.

Fact
Studies show that employees with disabilities rate very high for workplace safety.

REALM's Annual ICE Awards

REALM are a dedicated team of professionals focused on the provision of services that empower individuals with diverse abilities to develop and maintain autonomy within their community. As an organization we strive to truly hear the individual, learn the challenges they may face and work together in the development of a unique strategy to teach, implement and develop skills to maintain independence.

The ICE (Inclusive Employer) awards were created to allow us an opportunity to highlight and show the value of inclusiveness, open-minded thinking, and progress in our local communities.

Find out more about REALM and the wonderful work they do for our communities here: https://realmbc.ca/

Congratulations to this year's recipients in their respective categories; thank you for being a part of what makes our communities a great place to live.

Community Mentor Award

Total Pet
Cranbrook

Innovative Career Builders Award

Sandman Inn Cranbrook

Accessibility Award

St Eugene’s
Resort

Authentic Leader Award

The Paw
Shop

Emboldened Visionary Award

Food Bank
Cranbrook

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