Fleming College will be lighting up its campuses and employment services offices in purple and blue on Thursday, to raise awareness about the importance of disability inclusion in the workplace.
The college is participating in the seventh annual Light It Up! For National Disability Employment Awareness Month, a nationwide initiative led by the Ontario Disability Employment Network.
The event encourages organizations across Canada to illuminate buildings and landmarks as a visible show of support for inclusive employment practices.
This year’s theme, Skills Grow Economies. Disability Inclusion Fuels the Growth, highlights the contributions of people with disabilities and the opportunities available to employers who embrace a more inclusive workforce.
Joanne Spicer, Fleming College’s Associate Vice President of Student Experience, says the initiative reflects the college’s commitment to creating opportunities for everyone.
“We are proud to join this important initiative, and we encourage organizations throughout our communities to ‘Light it Up’ to show support for disability inclusion in employment,” said Spicer.
“When everyone is heard and their employability skills and talents are recognized, we can build stronger campuses, workplaces, and communities.”
Fleming is encouraging municipalities, businesses and community organizations throughout the region to participate by illuminating their own buildings and sharing messages of support.
Beyond the awareness campaign, Fleming’s Muskoka-Kawarthas Employment Services is also working with ODEN on a project aimed at improving disability-inclusive employment services across Ontario.
The initiative, funded in part by the provincial government, provides training, resources and learning opportunities for employment service providers.
Its goal is to help employment professionals better support job seekers with disabilities while assisting employers in creating more inclusive workplaces.
