October is Disability Employment Awareness Month, and we are highlighting how Rotarians and local businesses are creating meaningful jobs for individuals with intellectual disabilities through Inclusion Alberta’s Rotary Employment Partnership.

Albertans with intellectual disabilities experience an unemployment rate of more than 70%. The Rotary Employment Partnership is creating life-changing job opportunities while providing an untapped labour market to Alberta’s business community. The partnership has created over 900 jobs to date in diverse fields such as trades, hospitality, manufacturing, childcare, culinary, the arts and office administration. Real work for real pay. Learn more about becoming an inclusive employer.

Logan is wrapping up his fourth summer with Parks Canada as part of the Visitor Experience Team in Banff National Park. This season, he’s been busy helping visitors learn about safe human-wildlife interactions, food storage, and the importance of protecting endangered species. Working alongside his team, Logan shares valuable tips to ensure everyone enjoys a safe and memorable experience in Banff. He has also completed a test run of a new self-guided audio tour and has shared valuable feedback to improve the experience for visitors. He’s excited to continue his journey with Parks Canada this fall as part of the Heritage Presenter Team at the Cave and Basin National Historic Site and the Banff Park Museum.

Lynda, Interpretation Coordinator with Banff National Park, says that Logan’s keen interest in nature and parks has been welcomed by both park visitors and his colleagues.

“He has always come to work with a keen desire to grow and learn unique ways to engage people in conversations about Banff’s natural and cultural history,” says Linda. “Staff members have been captivated by his presentations about how to build programs, activities, and signs with accessibility in mind.  Logan has started and ended his workdays with a smile and has had the great ability to help others enjoy their work as well.”

Thank you, Parks Canada for your continued commitment to inclusive hiring over the years.

Learn more about how you can tap into a valuable labour market by becoming an inclusive employer through the Rotary Employment Partnership. See what inclusive employers have to say about how hiring an individual with an intellectual disability positively affects their bottom line and overall operations here. Let’s move beyond awareness and take action to open doors, build inclusive workforces, and tap into an often-overlooked talent pool.