OTTAWA,
CANADA
Community
- Over 50% of persons with disabilities in Canada are unemployed
- Provides access to meaningful employment and skills enhancement
- Fair wages ensure the opportunity for investment in future needs
- An additional 10% of proceeds from sales is donated toward training and development
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Equality, Opportunity, and Dignity
Impact
Persons born with disabilities comprise 15.5% of the Canadian population. It is, in fact, the largest minority group in the country. While there are support services available, adults with Down syndrome, autism or other disabilities find it increasingly difficult to continue developing skills in order to provide for themselves and live a full, active life.
Given the right environment, these exceptional people are just as eager to learn and as capable as others to work, grow and be a contributing member of society.
That is why we have collaborated with the Christian Horizons' Grow Program in Ottawa, Canada to help open up opportunities for this special group of people. The products made by this group are of the highest quality and provides 10 exceptional people with the opportunity to work, learn, go out to dinner with friends, save for gifts, and even go on the occasional trip.
For a group of people that experiences an unemployment rate of over 50% in our country, any opportunity to find meaningful work that promotes skills and personal development is a welcome advancement. The confidence built through these opportunities has a ripple effect that often leads to enhanced development, improved behavioural outcomes, and greater independence.
"I like making things out of clay, it's fun. I am proud of my work."
Susan
Building Confidence and Skills
Project
Grow is an employment solutions initiative in Ottawa that has been providing training and job opportunities for adults with disabilities. Started three years ago, their projects include cafeteria and lawn services, a wood shop, jewellery-making, and a pottery shop. In total, 37 adults with disabilities are given the opportunity to develop increasing levels of skill and confidence as they work and learn at Grow.
ZOË Alliance has teamed up with the people who work in the wood and pottery shops at Grow to bring unique gifts and promotional items to the marketplace.
The sale of each of these items:
- Provides employment for adults with disabilities
- Donates 10% of proceeds toward ongoing training and development
- Provides dignity and independence, and builds confidence that has a broad impact in the lives of those working on the projects
Exceptional Abilities
People
The team at Grow is led by Micah Elson and comprises John, Bruce, Darl, Mark, Jessie, Natasha, CJ, Gordon, Susie, and Doug.
Each member contributes to the task of producing quality products with care and pride. The pottery coasters and jade business card holders are new projects for the team. The opportunity to work on these products provides income, skill development and a sense of excitement as they grow their business venture.
"Equality is a huge piece of what we are doing here – providing access to jobs that they would normally only dream of. There is nothing that I can do that they can't do. Even though it may take them longer to learn it, there is nothing I have come across that they can't do, given enough time and the
right training."
Micah Elson
Underestimated and Marginalized
History
The past 30 years has seen tremendous progress in the understanding of persons with disabilities, with greater support systems and mechanisms put in place to ensure inclusion and increased opportunities.
One of the more difficult frontiers for a person with a developmental disability in Canada continues to be that of meaningful employment. When employment is secured, it is often in the area of janitorial or food services. While these are welcomed opportunities, much potential is squandered in not exploring other areas.
Countries around the world have developed innovative ways to provide additional job possibilities for which persons with developmental disabilities are well suited and able to perform.
The project in Ottawa, in partnership with Grow, is a wonderful way to provide expanding employment opportunities. At the same time, such a venture increase avenues for creativity and development through the production of high-quality products that require advanced skill levels.