Prince George, B.C. -   The City of Quesnel is taking on a research project to determine the employment opportunities and challenges facing those living with a disability.

 

Matt Wood, Communications Supervisor with the City of Quesnel says the goal of the project is to speak with as many people as possible with disabilities, with their family members and employers, “We see work on capital improvements such as sidewalks and buildings, however this project will increase the knowledge we have about employment. We want to determine how many people are working with disabilities and increase that number.”

 

Alison Duddy, the coordinator of the project is currently living with her own disability and hopes it will be a tool she can use, “I can relate to others with disabilities because I am one of them, I hope I can encourage others to participate in the questionnaire and the entire process.” 

 

The City received funding thanks to a Labour Market Partnership through Service  Canada. 

 

A draft report will be complete at the end of October with a roundtable presentation with Rick Hansen tentatively set for November 20th. A final report will be presented at the end of November.

 

Rick Hansen, the keynote speaker at this year’s Career Leap event, waived his speaking fee in exchange for the City of Quesnel taking on community projects related to people with disabilities.

 

The City needs to hear from people with disabilities (both employed and unemployed) and their families, employers, and organizations who would like to provide input into this exciting project. For more information, contact Alison at 250.992.2111 ext. 444.