Canadian Association for Supported Employment

Anonymous: Supports Give Confidence. Facilitated by Life Directions. Logos: March of Dimes Canada, ODEN. Logos: MentorAbility Canada, CASE, Canada.

Accommodations not only demonstrated the ski resort’s commitment to reducing barriers to inclusion, they also uplifted the employee's spirits, giving them the confidence to fully dedicate themselves to their new role.

A job seeker came to MentorAbility Canada through Life Directions Employment Supports in Ontario after facing numerous obstacles finding a fulfilling career. Multiple mentorships were secured for the job seeker in various roles at a nearby ski resort. They were able to bring their service dog along too!   

The job seeker’s work ethic impressed HR so much that they were soon interviewed for a position and hired full time.  

The mentee said they “quite enjoyed the mentorships” and were “proud of myself” for how they handled the subsequent job interview.  

Unfortunately, after securing employment the job seeker soon lost their transportation to and from the ski resort. To assist during this challenging time, the resort offered the job seeker on-site staff housing, allowing the job seeker to continue their employment, which was gratefully accepted. They also set up a private room for the job seeker and service dog.  

These accommodations not only demonstrated the ski resort’s commitment to reducing barriers to inclusion, they also uplifted the employee’s spirits, giving them the confidence to fully dedicate themselves to their new role.  

“The housing was perfect!” exclaimed the job seeker. The resort also accommodated the job seeker with half-day shifts and lots of breaks to ensure they could comfortably adjust to a full-time schedule after not working for over two years.   

Two huge congratulations are in order in this case: great work to the job seeker for landing a fulfilling job and a big high-five to the ski resort for demonstrating flexibility and innovative thinking around inclusive employment. Everyone wins!