Creating Employment Opportunities for

People with Developmental Disabilities

District 5370 Rotary Employment Partnership

Partners

Rotary Clubs Alberta Association for Community Living Persons with Developmental Disabilities

Edmonton Community Board and Provincial PDD Program, Alberta Seniors

Project History2000 Rotary International President Frank Devlin asked Club Presidents to:

Create Awareness -- of the needs and talents of people with disabilities (over 15% of humanity)

Take Action -- by working in partnership with local organizations to train and find employment for people in your community with developmental disabilities

Wendy McDonald -- the then President of the Rotary Club of Edmonton Mayfield, brought this back to her club membership and the Partnership was born

Project Success

94 jobs generated in the Edmonton area making a difference in 94 lives. Throughout the partnership across the province over 200 jobs have been created (since 2000).On average, the employee with developmental disabilities’ personal income increase 44% because they have a job On average $3301 per job per year is saved in government income support

Why It’s ImportantHaving a job provides an identity, purpose, belonging, and value

People with developmental disabilities can and want to work

Children with disabilities now grow up at home, are included in school, have opportunities for continuing education, develop aspirations and live in the community as adults

Approximately 70% of adults with developmental disabilities are unemployed or under-employed

Family and individual dreams to have a career, make a contribution, earn and income and be valued community members are not realized

Benefits

Enhance reputation as an inclusive employer with a diverse workforceDemonstrate corporate citizenshipGet a loyal, high performing employee (if skill set fits the role) Potentially….change a life

How It WorksRotary Club members generate jobsPartnership Coordinator (funded by PDD) works with employer to develop potential job possibilityPartnership Coordinator identify potential employeePartnership Coordinator support employer and employee

Additional on-the-job support provided as necessary

How Can You Get InvolvedAs a Rotary Club commit to generating one or two jobs per year

Think about hiring in your organization or business

Talk to business colleagues, friends or family about the Partnership

Talk to the Partnership Coordinator or Steering Committee member to learn more