September has been designated as Disability Employment Month in British Columbia. Below is an article that was published in the Summerland Times, regarding the hiring of person’s with disabilities, and highlighting just one good news story amongst the many success stories being created at WorkBC in Penticton. Piers staff members were pleased to participate in the presentation of a certificate to Shoppers Drug Mart, from WorkBC, in recognition of their being deemed an inclusive employer.
Store recognized for inclusive employment efforts – Shoppers Drug Mart in Summerland presented with certificate from WorkBC
When Austin Ojala, pharmacist and owner of Shoppers Drug Mart in Summerland, first met Quentin Timmer a year ago, he was impressed with Timmer’s cheerful disposition. “I just noticed how full of joy he was and how happy he was,” Ojala said. “Getting to know him, I noticed that was consistent. I wanted that a part of our team.” Ojala asked Timmer if he would be interested in working at the store. Timmer was hired in November, 2017. Timmer is deaf and has cerebral palsy. The disability has presented some challenges and as a result, some of the tasks have had to be changed or adjusted.
September has been designated as Disability Employment Month in B.C. and in recognition of the efforts at Shoppers Drug Mart in Summerland, WorkBC presented a certificate to the store on Wednesday. “We’re celebrating our inclusive employers,” said Gali Reardigan, job retention specialist with YMCA of Okanagan WorkBC Employment Services Centre, through the contributions of the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia. September marks B.C.’s fifth Disability Employment Month. Search hashtags #AccessibleBC and #WorkBC to learn more about it.
To assist Shoppers Drug Mart, WorkBC arranged to have an occupational therapist visit the store and conduct an ergonomic assessment. Timmer is pleased with the opportunity to work at the store. “It has been fantastic. I enjoy my job and I enjoy the staff here. They’re so friendly and helpful,” he said. “It’s been a blessing for me.”He said the efforts by the store “have helped me come a long way to overcome my barriers to employment.” He added that the support at the store has been incredible. “I can never ask for another employer like Kelly and Austin,” he said.