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WATCH: Jordan now a key member on staff at Parksville business

Disability Awareness Month celebrated around province

For Jordan, having the opportunity to work at Parksville’s Bluenose Detailing Centre has introduced a sense of stability to his life.

His employment is being celebrated for Disability Awareness Month this September. It’s part of an initiative from WorkBC that helps place people with disabilities into jobs. Sponsored by the provincial and federal governments, it encourages local businesses to educate themselves and take advantage of tools available for employers who are interested in hiring someone with a disability.

At Bluenose detailing, Jordan is an active member of the staff. He polishes cars, gets along with everyone and learns new skills.

It’s the first time Bluenose’s Frans Helmes has participated in the program, and said meeting Jordan made him excited to hire him.

“He just seemed to fit in here,” Helmes said. “At the beginning it came with support as well, so he came here free of charge at the beginning while we trained him and everything.”

Sheny Gregory, a job developer at WorkBC in Parksville, was responsible for placing Jordan with Bluenose.

“This is just one of the great matches that we’ve had,” she said.

The month of awareness also aims to break down stereotypes often associated with disabled people in the workplace.

Research from Deloitte, a professional services firm in Canada, shows that diverse and inclusive workplaces are twice as likely to meet or exceed financial targets and six times more likely to be innovative.

The same research shows that “90 per cent of people with disabilities did as well or better at their jobs than their non-disabled co-workers.”

For Helmes, it has been a good move for his workplace. He said Jordan’s “good personality” and “sense of humour” help get the job done.

cloe.logan@pqbnews.com

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