PROVINCE PROCLAIMS SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT MONTH

The Government of Saskatchewan has proclaimed March as Supported Employment Month. The month will be marked by a series of events across the province supported by the Saskatchewan Association of Rehabilitation Centres (SARC).

The proclamation reflects the province's commitment to full citizenship and diversity. It recognizes the valuable contribution made by community partners such as SARC, SARC member agencies and other community organizations in helping Saskatchewan people obtain and maintain employment. For its part, the Government of Saskatchewan invested more than $10.5 million through the Employability Assistance for People with Disabilities program in 2010-11.

"Addressing barriers to education and employment is vital to the ongoing success of our communities and our economy," Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister Rob Norris said. "This includes providing disability-related support and services that help citizens to prepare for, obtain and maintain employment."

"SARC truly appreciates the proclamation by the Government of Saskatchewan of March 2011 as Supported Employment Month," SARC Executive Director Amy McNeil said. "By increasing public awareness about Supported Employment, the number of individuals with disabilities obtaining employment will continue to increase. Since launching in 2000, SARC's Supported Employment Transition Initiative has helped more than 450 individuals facing barriers to employment gain employment and the number of interested employers in Saskatchewan is growing."

As part of the month's festivities, Minister Norris will attend the first annual Supported Employment Conference, hosted by SARC. The conference celebrates and acknowledges the work already done by Saskatchewan employers on this important topic and seeks out new opportunities to further promote supported employment.

"For many businesses, supported employment provides an important option for meeting the needs of workers," Norris said. "In return for creating opportunities for people with disabilities, employers can find capable, loyal and valuable employees."

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For more information, contact:

Christopher Jones-Bonk
Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration
Regina
Phone: 306-798-3106
Email: chris.jones-bonk@gov.sk.ca