Randel became a member of Independent Living Sudbury Manitoulin (ILSM) (new window) in the spring of 2008 with the goal of securing full-time employment. At that time, the ILSM partnership with the Neil Squire Society was less than one year old. After discussing a few possibilities, Randel felt that the Employ-Ability program would be a great fit on his path to finding work, while developing new skills.

Randel was born with cerebral palsy, yet it has never slowed him down. Randel has been an active and committed volunteer with the Red Cross (new window) since 1998.

One morning in 2002, Randel woke up with a great degree of mobility loss, resulting in the need for him to transition from walking to using a wheelchair. It was at this point in his life that he became fully aware of the many barriers to accessibility and employment that persons with physical disabilities face. “The barriers start with the wheelchair. Counters are too high or too low. People’s attitudes changed when I started using a wheelchair,” says Randel.

Committed to remaining in the workforce, Randel spent the next 7 years actively seeking employment, but to no avail.

As a successful graduate from Neil Squire Society’s Employ-Ability program in Ontario, Randel now actively volunteers with Laurentian Hospital’s Cancer Centre (new window) , as well as Science North.

“My experience in the Employ-Ability program was very positive. The best part of the program was really everything. The people were friendly. The in-class and distance facilitators were excellent, and all of my questions and concerns were addressed. People really listened to what I had to say.”

“Neil Squire Society’s Employ-Ability Program helped me achieve new levels of confidence which assisted me to become more at ease and comfortable with presenting myself in interviews” says Randel. “I meet a lot of people as a volunteer, and I am gaining a lot of really great experience. I feel that is helping to bring me closer to finding a job. I also get to help people to learn more about accessibility.”

Congratulations Randel!

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