For over 62 years, the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association (new window) (CCCTA) has fostered tourism in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast region for the benefit of the residents, businesses, and communities of the region. Covering the region spanning from Lillooet in the south to north of Hixon, and from the Pacific Ocean to the Rocky Mountains, the CCCTA works with approximately 750 tourism operators and partners in British Columbia.

With the help of a wage subsidy through Neil Squire’s Creative Employment Options program, they hired Mike as their Accessibility Program Assistant to support and build their Accessibility Program.

Mike is a paraplegic, who faces mobility issues with his manual wheelchair, and can only sit for a limited number of hours in his wheelchair. Having been referred by his friends at BC Wheelchair Sports (new window), he joined Creative Employment Options looking for work that he could do from his home.

“The hiring process was very smooth. The process for funding approval was clearly defined and well supported by Neil Squire staff,” says Judith Call, the Destination Experience and Accessibility Manager at the CCCTA. “We were able to conduct our own interviews and integrate current policies and procedures. The process was supportive of both the applicant and the interviewer.”

Mike received workplace accommodations for his home office, where he mostly works remotely, including a standing desk, an adaptive arm rest for shoulder support, and a new computer, as well as tutoring for computer skills through the Digital Jumpstart program.

It’s been a tremendous fit for both employer and employee.

“I wake intrigued to start my workday, feeling productive,” Mike shares. “[I] greatly enjoy the job working with a positive team.”

“Mike has been a joy to have on board. He is eager to learn, punctual and consistent and confident enough to share ideas with me and the team. He is very receptive to guidance and constructive criticism and understands the importance of organization and acquiring new skills,” says Judith. “Mike has a positive attitude and brings a smile with him wherever he goes!”

Mike looks forward to continuing to learn and grow in his role at CCCTA, while also giving back to the Spinal Cord Injury BC (new window) Peer Program (new window) as a volunteer, sharing his knowledge of accessible trails he’s learned about in the Cariboo from his job. The CCCTA looks forward to continuing to build their Accessibility Program with Mike’s help.

“I can’t say enough how supportive and encouraging Neil Squire has been,” Mike says.

“I would absolutely recommend the Creative Employment Options program to other businesses,” Judith shares.

“Collaborating with Neil Squire has increased our network and connections with other agencies involved in accessibility and inclusivity. We look forward to working together going forward and deepening and building more relationships as we promote and demonstrate accessibility and inclusion in our region and province.”