Kootenay Society for Community Living believe that businesses are always looking to find ways of creating inclusive workplaces where everyone has a productive role to play, and this includes people with disabilities.
It is vital to match individual skills to the needs of the employer and to provide appropriate support to both parties. A successful and money-generating employee is not only great for business but life-changing for the individual.
Starting February, the Kootenay Society for Community Living (KSCL) has hired an employment coordinator to establish a ‘customized employment’ program in the Nakusp area. Tim Sander will be working with adults who have disabilities and local business to help identify employment skills, business needs and work place employment opportunities. Customized employment is based on an ‘interest-based negotiation’ between the employer and the job seeker and is the core to a successful program.
Tim runs Smiling Hills Farm in Hills, keeping honey bees and operating the successful Smiling Hills Bed & Breakfast. He has worked in schools for the past 20 years, as a classroom teacher and with students with special needs. Tim will work alongside a Community Support Worker, who will be providing one-on-one support for individuals in Nakusp as well as running a group program once a week.
Tim is looking forward to getting to know the employers and businesses in Nakusp as well as the Job Seekers that are referred for Employment Service from Community Living BC. You can reach Tim and KSCL Nakusp at 619 Broadway, Nakusp, V0G 1R0 (at the back of the former music festival offices). Call them at 250-265-1471 or email NakuspKSCL@columbiawireless.ca.