On June 6, 2018, organizations from across Ottawa will come together for the 6th Annual EARN Conference to discuss strategies and resources for employers to create a more inclusive workplace.
This year’s theme is Opening Doors to Inclusion — Workplace Strategies for Mental Health. In addition to providing networking opportunities for employers and job seekers, the program will focus on helping HR professionals and hiring managers recognize and reduce barriers to employment for people with disabilities — including those experiencing mental health challenges.
Event attendees will learn how EARN has helped people like Jennie, who are living with a mental health disability, build a successful career:
Kelly Mertl
Director of Community Initiatives, United Way Ottawa
We know that people with disabilities still face many barriers to employment.
Right now, approximately 45 percent of people with disabilities in Ottawa participate in the labour market – compared with 76 percent of the general population.
That’s why EARN is committed to helping organizations make their workplaces more accessible, working with employers and service providers to match talent with employment opportunities, and helping to reduce the barriers persons with disabilities face when trying to participate in the labour market.
Since its inception, EARN has championed inclusive workplaces. Hiring people with disabilities is not only the right thing to do, but also makes good business sense. Thanks to our partners, since 2012, almost 3,000 people with disabilities have found employment in Ottawa.
If you’re an HR professional or hiring manager, our conference is an opportunity to gain unique insight and support the change we all want to see in our city.
Learn something new and help make Ottawa’s workplaces more diverse and inclusive.
We hope to see you there.
The Employment Accessibility Resource Network (EARN) is a local community initiative, led by United Way Ottawa, that brings together employers, service providers and other stakeholders with the goal of increasing employment opportunities for people with disabilities.