A new program is hoping to create more employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
More than 8-million people or 15% of the population have a disability and those people are under-utilized in the work-force.
Stats show about 30% of small and medium size Canadian businesses have trouble filling vacant positions and Kevin McShan is trying to fill those position locally while trying to help people with disabilities find work.
McShan has been named the Discover Ability Network'sTalent Ambassador and he tells CTV Windsor he will be promoting and implementing the program for Windsor-Essex.
"The discover ability network is another way for them to do it and the goal here is to make Windsor-Essex an inclusive employment region for people with disabilities," he says.
McShan's job is a six to nine month partnership with the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce and he plans to promote the initiative by hosting an event each month. "It's all about breaking down barriers for people with disabilities. my goal is to get 30 to 40 businesses and job seekers at every event that I host," says McShan.
He says the network is computer based so both employers and those looking for work can connect with ease.
"This is another on-line tool for people to get linked up with employers that are looking to hire and be more inclusive, they give you a six-step road map. they also give you a bunch of other resources to hire someone with a disability," he says.
McShan's says his first event will be in September, but he has already been meeting with community partners.