JOIN hosts career fair for persons with disabilities

TORONTO, March 28, 2012 /CNW/ - Tomorrow, Thursday, March 29, 2012, Ontario Job Opportunity Information Network (JOIN) will connect over 1,500 job seekers with disabilities with committed employers and business leaders from Ontario's private, public and non-profit sectors.

The event will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET at the Hilton Downtown Toronto (145 Richmond Street West) and is intended to assist persons with disabilities overcome the challenges of pursuing competitive employment. Throughout the day, job seekers are invited to participate in several workshops delivered by Ontario's business leaders who will share insights into effective job search strategies and resources. A keynote address by Tim McCallum, renowned opera singer and quadriplegic, will take place at 12:00 p.m. ET.  A special designated area for enterprises owned by persons with disabilities will also be featured.

"This year we have a large increase in the number of employers and different employment sectors represented," says Sharon Myatt, Event Coordinator on behalf of Ontario JOIN. She continues, "It is our hope that not only will many job seekers make connections that lead to jobs, but the event will also promote awareness of the full spectrum of disability and a better understanding of potential accommodation requirements for employees with disabilities."

The unemployment rate for persons with disabilities is five times higher than any other demographic in the province of Ontario. Statistics Canada identifies that over half of all working age people with disabilities are currently unemployed. Through this event, JOIN is looking to address this concern by working with candidates and employers towards a higher goal of representation of persons with disabilities into Ontario's workforce.

About JOIN - The Ontario Job Opportunity Information Network

JOIN is a network of 25 agencies who offer employment services to job seekers and employers. JOIN assists persons living with disabilities in finding and maintaining work, and assists employers in recruiting these qualified candidates to satisfy their hiring needs. www.joininfo.ca

Sharon M. Myatt
Event Coordinator
416-320-3870
[email protected]