Disability Employment Awareness Month: Local Stories of Success

Every October, Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) celebrates the workplace inclusion of persons experiencing disability. It’s a chance to recognize progress, spark conversations about inclusive employment, and work together to increase opportunities for all. At Community Living Kincardine and District, we’re proud to partner with local employers and empower people with disabilities to access meaningful work where they can share their skills and talents.

This month, we’re excited to highlight some amazing businesses and

individuals from our community. Their stories showcase not only their hard work and accomplishments, but also the difference inclusive employment makes for everyone.

Stanley - Kincardine BIA

“I sweep the downtown sidewalks and put garbage in the bins,” says Stanley. “I was really glad to get this job because it gives me extra spending money for the things I like.”

“My employer makes me feel accepted and relaxed, which helps me do my best every day,” they continue. Having the equipment at home has also helped me succeed on the job.

“I feel proud when people thank me for keeping the streets clean,” he said. “It’s boosted my confidence and independence.” Looking ahead, my goal is simple: “I want to keep this job every year.”

Kathy - UnEarth Collective

“I pack up items to be donated,” says Kathy. “I was really happy to get this job because it helps me pay my bills — and I also get to look through treasures and sometimes shop!”

“My employer makes me feel included and supported, which helps me do my best every day,” she continues. Having a workstation set up so I don’t have to bend down has also helped me succeed.

“I feel proud knowing that the donations I prepare will go to people who need them,” she says. Looking ahead, my goal is to get more hours at work. Her advice to others seeking meaningful employment? “Keep trying! There’s a job out there for everyone.”

Julia - Shoreline Power Group

“I get the mail, deliver packages, tidy the meeting rooms, let people in, and keep the kitchen supplies stocked,” says Julia. “I was really happy to get this job because I like having money to spend, getting out of the house, meeting people, and learning new things.”

“My employer makes me feel welcomed and included, which helps me do my best every day,” she continues. Having a routine and making a list has also helped me succeed at work.

“I feel proud of talking to people and being part of the team,” she says. Looking ahead, my goal is to learn more about using a computer. Her advice to others? “Don’t give up and work hard.”

David - Municipality of Kincardine Waste Management Centre

“I help empty garbage bins in town, unload the garbage at the pit, keep the facility area clean, and collect garbage tag revenue to drop off to businesses,” says David. “I was really happy to get this job because it was the one I wanted!”

“My employer and team made me feel welcomed, which helps me do my best every day,” he continues. Knowing the people on the team has also helped me succeed.

“I feel proud to be part of the team,” he said. Having this job lets me get out of the house, stay active, and save money. Looking ahead, my goal is to get more hours. His advice to others seeking meaningful work? “Keep on trying because you will eventually get the job you want!”

Cassandra - McDonalds

“I wipe down tables inside and outside, sweep floors, change garbage, and clean the washrooms,” says Cassandra. “I was really happy to get this job because it helps me save money — and I’m hoping to go to a Taylor Swift concert!”

“My employer makes me feel supported and included, which helps me do my best every day,” she continues. Having supplies easy to find and getting answers to my questions has also helped me succeed.

“I feel proud of being a hard worker,” she says. Looking ahead, her goal is to keep this job every year. Cassandra is already excited and committed to helping out at McHappy Day 2026! Her advice to others seeking meaningful work? “Don’t give up on trying to get a job because it makes you happy!”

Alex - Independent Plus

“I help unload the truck of papers into bins, roll the bins into the warehouse, count the bundles to make sure I have enough at my workstation, bundle the papers into bags, and load them into bins to be ready for delivery,” says Alex. “I felt amazing when I got this job!”

“My employer makes me feel supported and included, which helps me do my best every day,” he continues. Having my workstation set up with all the supplies I need has also helped me succeed.

“I feel proud of the feedback I’ve received — my manager says I’ve shown initiative, I’m a quick learner, and a great team player,” he says. Having this job has given me a sense of meaning so I don’t feel stuck. Looking ahead, my goal is to maintain my job so I can have extra money to buy things I enjoy. Their advice to others seeking meaningful work? “I would encourage others to work because it gives them extra money, gets them active, and helps them make friends.”

Employer Spotlight - Kim Ward - Independent Plus

“Inclusion is simply giving everyone a fair chance at employment,” says Kim Ward of The Kincardine Independent. “Supporting and including an individual with a disability is no different than any other employee. Ask for opinions to help improve the workplace, and include everyone in the daily chit-chat.”

Kim didn’t set out to make a difference — she just wanted an employee who fit the job, was reliable, and could work well with the team. “Hiring this individual has been very positive. The team has become tighter and more interested in helping each other rather than just staying in their lanes,” she says.

Addressing a common misconception, Kim adds, “I feel there is a big stigma about hiring a person with a disability. It doesn’t require more training. In fact, once a job is learned, the chances of retraining or losing interest are far less.”

As we celebrate Disability Employment Awareness Month, these stories remind us of the value of inclusive workplaces and the impact meaningful employment can have on individuals and our community. By supporting and empowering people with disabilities, we all benefit from a stronger, more connected, and thriving workforce.