An interview with Amie Jonas Conversations around inclusion in the workplace often begin with policy. They involve frameworks, checklists, training modules. But at The Canadian Brewhouse, the journey towards inclusive practices did not begin as a regulatory requirement, it started with a question: how can we better support our communities? The answer continues to evolve. The Canadian Brewhouse (CBH), a …
Imagining a Barrier- Free Alberta
Movements rarely begin with big headlines. Most often, they begin with a conversation and community. For Alberta’s disability advocacy community, that conversation began in 2007, when someone within the Calgary Ability Network recognized a troubling pattern: organizations were working in silos, often duplicating efforts and missing the opportunity to amplify their collective voice. That conversation has since grown into a …
Nothing about us without us
A discussion on advocacy groups in Alberta with Mike Wing and Kathleen Biersdorff Advocacy focused initiatives have often led revolutionary changes within government, politics or economic structures. Grassroots organizations that focus on bringing people together by creating a community of similar interests are working hard to shift policies and to influence decision makers. Although these methods are based on breaking …
A long standing community pillar
A wonderful resource in Edmonton has existed for over 50 years and is a pillar to the community of people with disabilities all over Alberta. When people with disabilities, service providers, or employers need a referral or a resource, Teresa Makarewich from Voices of Albertans with Disabilities will receive a call or a walk in. She is quick to help …
Impact Over Everything
With Thabani Conrad Bhala , Founder of Canada Career Training and Chair of the Employment Action Table Efficient impact is the name of the game for Thabani Conrad Bhala. On account of the multiple hats that he wears, he makes sure to consult all relevant parties when spearheading a project and always considers the systems in place. Bhala currently sits …
Exploring Access to Meaningful Employment
With Cintia Lutz, founder of Able & Available Job Board Imagine a job board that identifies a list of inclusive employers. Even better than that – imagine a job posting that outlines accessibility options and reassures job seekers of a safe space. Or a posting that lists specific qualifications without the need to read in between the lines. Founder Cintia …
MCG Careers in Red Deer : the benefits of a close-knit community
Employment trends may look different across big cities and rural areas in Alberta, but the city of Red Deer’s strengths lie in their tight knit community. Door to door visits and cold calling are welcomed when searching for job placements for a person with a disability. MCG Careers prides itself in its “Growth 4 U” program that provides a service …
A Gold Standard Advocacy Group
An advocacy group that collaborates on concerns that affect a broader community can achieve changes like the implementation of a Calgary Transit low income bus pass, AISH increases, or reversals of bylaws that discriminate against the needs of people with disabilities. The Disability Action Hall has set the gold standard for advocacy groups. They are a group of people living …
An organic approach to inclusive employment
Business Spotlight with Kevin Wagner from South Country Co-op How can a positive experience with a service provider shape an employer’s inclusive employment journey? Kevin Wagner, South Country Co-op’s Food Centre Manager speaks on how a service provider in Medicine Hat supports the business and participants when they are hiring at Co-op. South Country Co-op has hired a handful of …
Redefining Accessible Design
Business Spotlight with Brad Bartko from Accessible by Design Brad Bartko, co-founder of Accessible by Design, runs a successful business that has barely reached the 3 year mark. In just over 2 years, Brad and his wife, Jenn, have partnered with numerous restaurants, an outdoor comedy festival, hotels, and institutions to run all encompassing accessibility audits. The value in Brad’s accessibility …