St. Lawrence College (SLC), in partnership with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and the Discover Ability Network, has launched a new website aimed specifically for job seekers with disabilities and employers in the Kingston area.
SLC is the lead partner for the Kingston hub, joining Windsor and Sault Ste. Marie as the third Ontario community to launch the online portal. The goal is to create greater inclusiveness in the workplace through ‘targeted matching’ between Ontario employers and persons with disabilities who are seeking employment. Discover Ability uses a data-rich, job-matching technology called Magnet, a platform which is free to use.
“Discover Ability has been very helpful because it shows a job seeker what skills to highlight and allows you to tailor your search in the right direction and has been a confidence boost,” said SLC student and job seeker, Nirmal Ayyub Malik.
One in six persons in Ontario report having a disability, according to SLC’s Employment and Career Services Manager Elaine Lewis. “Employers are increasingly seeing the tangible benefits of having a diverse workforce, one that includes people with disabilities. With this program, we are making strides to remove barriers and ensure that persons with disabilities have the access to participate fully in the workforce.”
Job seekers can also use the portal for Job Search tools and information that will assist them in their job search. In turn, employers can go to the portal to access additional resources to help increase their confidence and dispel misperceptions.
SLC is hosting an information session on Thursday March 28 at 2:30 pm in the Empire Board room for students and the general public. The session will include a demo of the website, job searching tips, disclosure tips and sharing local resources. Students may also access Career Services for individualized support in creating their profiles.
For more information please contact:
Amanda Vanderhaar
SLC Client Advisor, Career Services
613.544.5400 ext. 1681
-30-