Journal Staff
The growing reputation of Sarnia-Lambton as a leader in accessibility is being recognized by a super-sized allocation from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.
The community is getting $300,000 of $1.3 million earmarked provincewide by the Ontario Chamber to help employers create more workspaces for people with disabilities.
Private sector and non-profit employers can use the money to train staff or buy workplace assistive devices, like screen readers, braille printers and tremor-proof computer mice.
The unduly large allocation is available because of Sarnia-Lambton’s push to become more accessible to every resident, said Rory Ring, CEO of the Sarnia-Lambton Chamber.
“The Ontario Chamber is really excited about what we do here in terms of accessibility. They are strong proponents,” he said.
“We’ve been recognized by former Ontario lieutenant governor David Onley and minister (of economic development Brad) Duguid for that leadership.”
The money will help, said Natalie Normand, project coordinator of Breaking Barriers to Business, a homegrown initiative that’s helping companies and organizations meet and even exceed the requirements of Ontario’s accessibility legislation.
Many barriers faced by people in the workplace can be overcome with the right training and assistive technologies, she said.
“Many employers want to hire employees with disabilities but just don’t have the resources to do so.”
Employers who want to learn more about accessing the Abilities Connect Fund can call the Chamber at 519-336-2400 or Breaking Barriers to Business at 519-381-2116.