October is Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM), and this year, Inclusion Alberta’s Rotary Employment Partnership is celebrating two meaningful milestones: the Partnership’s 25th anniversary and over 1,000 paid jobs created for people with intellectual disabilities across the province! 

For 25 years, Inclusion Alberta, Rotarians, and employers have worked together to turn connections into opportunities and challenge assumptions about what is possible. This anniversary celebrates that shared commitment and the employees whose contributions continue to demonstrate the value of inclusive employment – in roles and industries once thought beyond reach. 

Aashita secured her job at Calgary Public Library through the Rotary Employment Partnership several years ago, first as a Shelver and now has seen her role expand to Library Experience Assistant. She uses the Dewey Decimal System to organize and shelve books, does the pick list for books that are on hold and helps direct patrons when they have questions.  

“This job has helped me grow in so many ways,” says Aashita. “It gave me confidence and showed me I could take on more responsibility. It even inspired me to go back to school, and I completed a Library Technology Certificate at SAIT. I’m very grateful for the support I’ve received from Inclusion Alberta and the Rotary Employment Partnership. Because of that support, I have a job I love, relationships that matter, and a life that feels full.” 

Inclusion Alberta’s Executive Director of Community Initiatives, Charmain McIntyre, says that employment plays a powerful role in shaping identity for all of us.  

“[Employment] means earning an income, developing skills, building relationships, and being part of a team that counts on us,” says Charmaine. “It also offers opportunities to pursue ambitions, contribute our talents, and take pride in what we do. The dream of meaningful employment is no different for someone with an intellectual disability.” 

Yet people with intellectual disabilities continue to experience a grim unemployment rate of nearly 80%, with paid employment too often left out of conversations about their future. Aspirations go unexplored, abilities are underestimated, and opportunities are limited by assumptions. Too many people spend years ‘getting ready’ for employment without ever being given the opportunity to work. 

While awareness of the possibilities of inclusive employment is an important beginning, meaningful, paid employment for people with intellectual disabilities must be the goal. Recognizing someone’s potential needs to translate into opportunities to be hired, earn a fair wage, and grow in a valued role alongside colleagues. 

A longstanding leader in inclusive employment, Clark Builders has hired 3 valued employees through the Rotary Employment Partnership since 2020 and has championed the removal of barriers to trades education for people with intellectual disabilities. Inclusion Alberta’s first ever apprenticeship was brought to fruition through Clark Builders when an opportunity was offered to an employee with an intellectual disability. 

“Give a person a job and their life will completely change,” said Steve Lenarduzzi, President of Clark Builders. “Through the Rotary Employment Partnership and Inclusion Alberta’s hands-on support, we’ve seen firsthand that inclusive employment strengthens teams, builds loyalty, and makes us a better company. All of our team members, including those supported through this partnership are valued contributors to our success.” 

Behind these 1,000 jobs are employees contributing to the success of businesses, relationships that strengthen communities, and families seeing new possibilities for the future. 

Inclusion Alberta is deeply grateful to our Rotary partners for opening their personal and professional networks and to the business community for turning those connections into paid employment opportunities. Together, we are challenging expectations and demonstrating what inclusive employment makes possible. 

As we celebrate 25 years and mark Disability Employment Awareness Month this October, we invite more employers to help shape what comes next. Help us create the next 1,000 paid jobs!  

To learn more about the possibilities of inclusive employment please visit: https://inclusionalberta.org/what-we-do/inclusive-employment/ .