Web portal to connect employers and job-seekers with disabilities

NEWS RELEASE
SAULT STE MARIE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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The Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce (SSMCOC) is working with the Discover Ability Network to launch a new web portal, which will directly connect local employers to job-seekers with disabilities

“It’s been proven that companies employing people with disabilities reduce costs associated with turnover, training and safety,” notes SSMCOC CEO, Rory Ring. “They also benefit from greater innovation and customer loyalty. Despite these documented advantages, many organizations are lagging. We hope that we will be able to jumpstart the introduction process between businesses and an incredible talent pool of potential employees.”

According to available statistics, 53 per cent of Canadians have a disability or are related to someone with a disability. That’s more than half the population. The Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce maintains that companies that ignore this important employee and consumer demographic are foregoing a large competitive advantage.

The platform, which will be part of the Discover Ability Network, will be officially unveiled at the Dec. 15 Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics’ ‘A Night with the Stars’ gala.

Ring notes that the Chamber of Commerce is very excited to see the 2019 Special Olympics Ontario Provincial Winter Games coming to Sault Ste. Marie. The games are expected to attract 1,000 athletes, coaches, officials and families and generate a direct economic impact of approximately $1 million for the community.

“Given that this will be the 50th Anniversary of the Special Olympics in Canada, there will a great deal to celebrate. The Chamber is honoured that the launch of the local Discover Ability platform is being included as part of the ‘Night with the Stars’ agenda. We hope that the both the Games and the Discover Ability portal will open up new opportunities for everyone in the community, especially for individuals with disabilities.”

The Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce encourages our business community to support the Olympians, the gala and the 2019 Winter Games. Sponsorship information and tickets for the Dec. 15 Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics’ ‘A Night with the Stars’ gala are available through the 2019 Winter Games website until Monday, Dec. 10 here.

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