3rd Annual Job Fair for People with Disabilities

May 11, 2012

The Neil Squire Society’s (new window) Prairie Region hosted the 3rd Annual Job Fair for People with Disabilities on April 3, 2012. Wide photo of the Job Fair The job fair was held, as with every year past, at the University of Regina (new window) Kinesiology and Health Sciences centre gymnasium (new window). In attendance were 38 businesses prepared to hire people with disabilities and approximately 180 job seekers with disabilities.

The event began at 11am with a brunch and learn for the employers. Dave Fischl (new window) gave a 45 minute presentation about the importance of inclusion. He shared many inspiring success stories from his time working with the Government of Saskatchewan (new window), Ministry of Highways (new window), where inclusion worked wonderfully. After the brunch and learn the doors were opened to the job seekers.

“The prospective employers were very courteous and helpful.” – Job Seeker

Volunteer employment specialists were on hand at computer workstations to help job seekers with resume preparation and cover letter writing. Each job seeker received a flash drive (new window) with their completed resume and cover letter on it – the perfect The Neil Squire Society booth at the Job Fairtool for applying for jobs online.

Personal care attendants and American Sign Language (new window) interpreters were available for the job seekers, ensuring a truly inclusive and accessible experience.

Even though attendance was slightly down from last year, the employers felt that their interactions with the job seekers were more meaningful and that there were be more hires resulting from it.

It was a very successful event again this year and we look forward to next year’s 4th annual job fair!

“We don’t come as much to find people who ‘fit our needs’ so much as to learn more, stretch ourselves, meet people with different abilities and imagine the possibilities. This one of my favorite job fairs to come to.” – Employer