Employing individuals with intellectual disabilities isn’t only good for business it helps in improving productivity, increasing morale and diversifying your workforce to represent all people of all abilities. In Canada, we have an untapped market in unemployed and underemployed individuals with intellectual disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Experience-based evidence from organizations around the world proves that organizations can build engaged, efficient and high-functioning teams through inclusive hiring. Ready, Willing and Able (RWA) is a national partnership of the Canadian Association for Community Living (CACL), the Canadian Autism Spectrum Disorders Alliance (CASDA) and their member organizations. Funded by the Government of Canada and active in 20 communities across the country, RWA is designed to increase the labour force participation of people with an intellectual disability or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). As a national strategy to develop inclusive and effective labour markets, how does RWA work? Meggie Stewart, Siobhan Costelloe and Jackie Moore are all Labour Market Facilitators from Community Living Ontario and Kerry’s Place respectfully, they all joined me this week to discuss how the program works and the benefits it has.  To learn more about RWA you can visit http://readywillingable.ca/

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