Celebrate DEAM to Strengthen Organizational Culture:
An Interview with Jon Garland
Pour la version française de cet article, veuillez cliquer ici. | For the French version of this post, please click here.
We had a discussion with Jon Garland, Employment Development Supervisor with EmployAbilities in Edmonton, Alberta, about how employers can participate in Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) this October. DEAM offers important opportunities, not only during October but throughout the year, to work towards expanding our workforce and strengthening organizational culture.
Why is DEAM important?
Jon waits all year for October because DEAM places a special focus on his work connecting employers with job seekers who experience disability. It gives him a chance to flip the narrative in a relevant way for employers by focusing on the abilities of current job seekers.
DEAM provides an opportunity to open dialogue, foster connection, and draw attention to an important piece of the employment landscape. DEAM creates space for employers to purposefully seek resources and information on how to attract and retain skilled team members, all while raising awareness about one of Canada’s most underemployed demographics—persons experiencing disability.
DEAM creates space for employers to seek resources and information on how to attract and retain skilled team members, while raising awareness about persons experiencing disability in the workplace.
What can employers do to promote and celebrate DEAM this October?
Jon suggested some ways organizations can participate in DEAM:
- Participate in local DEAM celebrations!
- Connect with as many resources as possible around workplace disability inclusion.
- Reflect on how your organization can be more inclusive for existing team members and job seekers.
A simple way employers can show their support is by participating in Light it Up! For NDEAM, a national campaign by ODEN. Light It Up! encourages organizations to light up their workplaces in purple and blue on Thursday, October 17, to put a spotlight on workplace disability inclusion.
Jon noted the increased number of resources available during DEAM. Employment specialists and their agencies share resources and are available to support employers and let them know about all the services they offer, many at no cost, during October and all year round.
DEAM is a good time to reflect on current inclusive practices within your organization. Every organization, no matter where they are on their inclusive journey, can increase their knowledge and strengthen their inclusive workplace culture.
How can employers use what they’ve learned during DEAM throughout the rest of the year?
All the connections made and resources and information obtained during DEAM can be used throughout the year. The reflection organizations do during DEAM can lead to changes, and these changes do not happen overnight.
The connections made with employment agencies and local disability organizations can be nurtured beyond DEAM. Employment professionals and resources on inclusion can support organizational development in hiring, workplace culture, onboarding, policy development, career progression, and many other areas.
Investing in DEAM Is Investing in Your Teams!
Jon has celebrated DEAM for as many years as he can recall, and he would be remiss if he didn’t leave us with a parting thought. Celebrating DEAM can offer numerous ongoing benefits for employers aspiring to or currently building inclusive workplaces.
So, let’s take the time this October to invest in our teams and our organizations by investing in DEAM.