October is Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) in Saskatchewan. This month celebrates people with disabilities. It also emphasizes the importance of inclusive hiring practices in the workforce.

Promoting Awareness

SARC is a key organization in this effort. It supports community services for people with disabilities. During DEAM, SARC leads the effort to raise awareness. Amy McNeil, the Executive Director of SARC, highlights the benefits of inclusive hiring practices.

“Every year, more employers recognize the value of hiring people with disabilities,” McNeil said. She added that inclusive hiring practices are not just good for business; they also benefit the community and strengthen the economy.

Furthermore, SARC participates in the Light It Up! initiative for National Disability Employment Awareness Month. On October 17, 2024, businesses and organizations are invited to light up their buildings in purple and blue. This initiative honors the contributions of workers with disabilities. Interested people can contact SARC to learn more.

Importance for Rural Communities

This initiative is especially important for rural areas, such as West Central Saskatchewan. Disability inclusion is becoming vital for workforce growth in these regions. Tamara Wiebe, Executive Director of West Central Abilities, points out that various disabilities can affect individuals. These include chronic conditions like lupus and invisible disabilities such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

“Disability inclusion is not just the right thing to do; it’s also smart for businesses,” Wiebe explained. She noted that inclusive hiring practices help expand the applicant pool. In addition, they boost employee morale. Moreover, employment plays a critical role in the independence and well-being of individuals with disabilities. Companies should provide accommodations to support long-term employment.

Benefits for Employers

Wiebe also emphasizes that inclusive hiring practices bring real benefits to employers. For instance, these practices lead to higher retention rates and lower turnover. Employees with disabilities often seek stable, long-term jobs. This stability can enhance productivity and reduce hiring costs.

Creating a supportive workplace for disabled employees is essential. This support goes beyond just physical accessibility. It involves building an accepting workplace culture and providing chances for professional growth.

“Employees with disabilities offer unique insights and creative solutions to problems,” Wiebe noted. She emphasized that creating an inclusive work environment helps everyone. It boosts employee engagement and morale across the board.

Looking Ahead

West Central Abilities does not currently have individuals in the workforce. However, the organization is hopeful for future inclusion opportunities.

“We’re not there yet, but we want to help clients find jobs in the community,” Wiebe said. She added that if businesses in West Central Saskatchewan want to hire individuals with disabilities, SARC is ready to support them throughout the process.

As DEAM unfolds in Saskatchewan, there is hope that more businesses, especially in rural areas, will adopt inclusive hiring practices. This will ensure that all individuals, regardless of ability, can contribute meaningfully to the workforce and the community.

Sophie Shuttleworth, a 32-year-old woman from Newport, has experienced a remarkable transformation thanks to a robotic exoskeleton for paralysis. After contracting viral meningitis in July 2022, she was left paralyzed from the chest down and spent two years relying on a wheelchair.

In January, Sophie began using the exoskeleton during therapy sessions at the Morello Clinic, a local rehabilitation center. The device enables her to stand and move her legs in a natural walking pattern, allowing her to experience the sensation of being upright for the first time in two years. This moment was deeply emotional for Sophie, who described the joy of regaining mobility after such a long period of inactivity.

Beyond the emotional impact, the exoskeleton has provided Sophie with significant physical benefits. It has improved her circulation and bone density—crucial factors considering her diagnosis of osteopenia due to prolonged immobility. Sophie emphasized the mental health benefits as well, comparing the endorphins she now feels when walking to the exhilaration she experienced while swimming, a sport she loved before her illness.

Sophie, along with eight others who use the exoskeleton, is actively fundraising to support its continued availability at the clinic, aiming to raise £50,000 for a year of access to this life-changing technology. Each user benefits uniquely from the device, demonstrating its versatility in addressing various mobility challenges.

Before her illness, Sophie was fiercely independent and even swam 22 miles in a local pool to raise money for charity. While she continues to rely on family support for certain tasks, she is optimistic about the future. The combination of the exoskeleton and her new ground-floor apartment, designed to meet her needs, brings her closer to regaining her independence.

As she navigates this new chapter, Sophie remains hopeful and determined, believing that with continued use of the exoskeleton, she can achieve greater autonomy in her daily life. Her story not only highlights the potential of robotic technology in rehabilitation but also serves as an inspiration to many facing similar challenges.

His Sickled Journey is a short film being shown on Generation Black TV. This compelling narrative follows Femi, a serial over-thinker, as he learns the ins and outs of sickle cell anemia to support his new girlfriend, Chanice. The film highlights the importance of understanding and empathy in relationships, especially when dealing with chronic illnesses.

The Storyline of His Sickled Journey

In His Sickled Journey, Femi is happily coasting in honeymoon avenue with his new girlfriend, Chanice. However, his anxiety begins to rise after she reveals that she has the genetic condition sickle cell anemia. Determined to be there for her, Femi decides to learn everything he can about the condition. As he undergoes this journey, he grows closer to Chanice, but his overthinking ways threaten to sabotage their budding romance.

Inspiration Behind His Sickled Journey

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Her Sickled Journey (@hersickledjourney)

The concept for His Sickled Journey was inspired by Her Sickled Journey, a personal blog about sickle cell awareness founded by Tito Oye. Tito is a 23-year-old London-based tenancy manager and lover of life. She has always had a passion for helping others and writes to help people realize that sickle cell doesn’t need to define their entire identity. Her blog serves as a beacon of hope and education for those affected by the condition.

Meet the Cast: David Ajayi

His Sickled Journey stars David Ajayi, a British-born actor with Nigerian heritage. Raised in South London, David studied Accounting & Finance at Coventry University before training at Identity School of Acting. In addition to acting, David is a writer, presenter, producer, and director, known for the comedy web series Minister in Training and the short film series Moments. He also has a music persona known as Gbenga De Rapper.

Watch His Sickled Journey on Generation Black TV

His Sickled Journey is more than just a film; it’s an educational experience that brings awareness to sickle cell anemia. Generation Black TV is committed to showcasing diverse stories that resonate with a wide audience. By watching this film, viewers will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by those living with sickle cell anemia and the importance of support and empathy in relationships.

The Impact of His Sickled Journey

His Sickled Journey not only entertains but also educates its audience about sickle cell anemia. It’s a powerful story of love, understanding, and overcoming personal fears. The film’s portrayal of Femi’s journey to support Chanice highlights the importance of learning about and understanding chronic conditions to build stronger, more empathetic relationships.

Don’t Miss His Sickled Journey on Generation Black TV

Tune in to Generation Black TV to watch His Sickled Journey. This short film promises to deliver a heartfelt story that will leave a lasting impact. With its strong performances and meaningful storyline, it’s a must-watch for anyone interested in stories about love, empathy, and personal growth.