Main Objective:
Help create equitable opportunities in the bio-economy and drive a culture of respect and dignity for persons with disabilities while supporting awareness and regulatory compliance for the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
The program objectives are to:
- Increase awareness of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (IDEA), and the importance of persons with disabilities as a source of talent in the bio-economy;
- Teach employers how to engage, recruit, integrate and develop new hires with a disability; and
- Improve adoption of AODA reporting and compliance requirements in the bio-economy.
Timeline
September 25, 2023 – December 24, 2024
Program Description
Events
As part of the EnAbling Change Program, BioTalent Canada will coordinate four events across Ontario to help create equitable opportunities in the bio-economy and promote a culture of respect and dignity for persons with disabilities.
Two in-person events will be held in the Greater Toronto Area and Ottawa, and two virtual. These events aim to attract C-Suite level biotech employers and hiring managers, so that they learn more about the benefits of hiring persons with disabilities. Additionally, employers who are champions in this area will be invited to share their successes gained by hiring within this demographic. Bio-economy employees with disabilities will also be offered a podium to share their experiences. The goal is to teach employers how to attract and retain top talent from equity-deserving groups.
Learn more about our events and register today.
Tools
BioTalent Canada will also create and disseminate two bilingual and accessible tools for the sector. One resource will offer valuable information on the benefits of hiring and the risks of not hiring persons with disabilities. Accessibility resources, business cases, skills development tools, and information on integration into hybrid work environments will all be shared with bio-economy employers through this resource.
The second resource will help employers understand AODA reporting and the compliance requirements to improve adoption in the sector.
Access our enabling change resources.
Aligning with Existing Tools
The two resources will be integrated into BioTalent Canada’s IDEAL Biosciences EmployerTM Recognition Program to recognize organizations within the bio-economy embracing Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility Leadership.
The BioSkills Match tool will be retrofitted to allow persons with disabilities to self-identify, making it easier for employers to find and access them.
A badge recognizing employers actively recruiting persons with disabilities will be displayed alongside the employers’ job postings on The PetriDishTM Job Board.
Industry Need
Ontario’s bio-economy is facing a severe labour shortage with increased pressure in manufacturing and processing. This shortage will not be relieved by immigration or new graduates entering the field. It will require employers to adopt an IDEA mindset and hire from diverse talent pools. Currently, persons with disabilities only make up 1% of the industry, offering an excellent opportunity to tap into this demographic.
BioTalent Canada has an extensive network to offer practical solutions to bio-economy employers so they can stay competitive. BioTalent Canada works closely with IDEA champions in the sector to share their knowledge and amplify the message that hiring persons with disabilities is a win-win for talent and employers alike.
Visit Enabling Change in Ontario’s Bio-Economy by Fostering an IDEA Mindset – BioTalent Canada to get up-to-date information on the project’s activities.
The EnAbling Change Program is funded by the Government of Ontario
