March 16th, 2015
McCleery Golf Course owner Muncie Booth and Pro-Shop manager Kim Cooper are being acknowledged and celebrated today with a Widening Our World(WOW!clbc) Award for embracing workplace inclusion.
Each year Community Living BC’s (CLBC) WOW Award recognizes the contributions and innovations of people who are working to build communities that are accepting of all abilities. This year’s awards theme focused on inclusive employment. As part of the three-year Community Action Employment Plan, British Columbians were asked to nominate employers who are hiring adults CLBC serves and creating positive, inclusive workplaces where everyone feels welcome, valued and respected.
Muncie and Kim were nominated by posAbilities Employment Services for hiring two employees to work in the pro-shop on golf cart care. In their nomination, posAbilities stated Muncie and Kim came to them expressing an interest in hiring people CLBC serves, and made sure job descriptions matched the skills of the people being hired. Muncie and Kim also took a creative approach to hiring, asking individuals to demonstrate their skills rather than through traditional interview techniques. They also provide on-going skill building, training and mentoring as needed.
In addition to Muncie, Kim and their team, employers in Kamloops, Penticton and Chilliwack are receiving WOW!clbc Awards this year. These employers were chosen from more than 80 nominations submitted province wide. These nominations were reviewed regionally and then by a provincial committee of individuals CLBC serves, community members, service providers and CLBC staff to determine the successful nominees.
Since 2009, CLBC has presented WOW Awards to recognize British Columbians who are creating opportunities and building awareness for a vision of full citizenship for people with developmental disabilities, one where they lead good lives, have rich relationships, choices in how they live and employment opportunities.
The Community Action Employment Plan is a collaborative strategy that promotes inclusive and supportive employment opportunities. Among other things, the plan supports coordination of local resources and community engagement with government, service providers, volunteers, self advocates, families, community leaders and CLBC staff. To learn more about CLBC, WOWclbc! Award winners past and present, or the Community Action Employment Plan, visit www.communitylivingbc.ca
Quotes:
Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation Michelle Stilwell
“In B.C., we have the goal of becoming the most progressive place for people with disabilities in Canada. It’s great to see McCleery Golf Course, and Muncie and Kim, getting this award. They are breaking down barriers to employment and recognizing that there is a business case for hiring from the disability community.”
MLA Andrew Wilkinson, Vancouver-Quilchena
“McCleery Pro Shop is directly influencing not only the people they hire, but their clientele and our community. Muncie and Kim are setting a great example for other employers in Vancouver by demonstrating the real benefits of inclusive hiring. Congratulations to them both!”
Seonag Mcrae, CLBC CEO
“I want to congratulate Kim and Muncie and all of the WOW nominees for 2014. Work is something that gives people independence, confidence and connection with their community. Kim and Muncie truly exemplify inclusive employers, taking the initiative to reach out to posAbilities to work with them to hire adults with diverse abilities.”
Kalena Kavanaugh, posAbilities Employment Service
“Muncie and Kim look beyond the stereotype and see the value that someone with a diverse ability can really bring to the workplace. Once these employees started working, they were welcomed as part of the team. Rather than focus on disability the management team at McCleery’s focuses on abilities.”
Muncie Booth, Owner, McCleery Golf Course
“I am so pleased that the McCleery Golf Course has been acknowledged as an inclusive employer. Both of these individuals are excellent employees, always friendly and outgoing and willing to contribute and learn new skills. They are great ambassadors for the golf course.”
Profile: Kim Cooper/Muncie Booth, Inclusive Employers
McCleery Golf Course Pro Shop
- After reading an article in a newspaper that covered the difficulty of finding employment for adults with disabilities, Pro Shop Manager, Kim Cooper started to investigate. Through her research, Kim connected with posAbilities Employment Service. Kim had two positions she needed filled for the busy season ahead, both involved golf cart care.
- Finding two individuals with the right skill set to fill the positions, Kim and Muncie’s decision to diversify their workforce has proven successful. Kim and Muncie are also connecting with posAbilities for the next hiring season.
- Kim, Muncie and the team at McCleery Golf Course provide encouragement, working alongside individuals and allowing them to determine their own successful work style to get the job done.
The Case for Inclusive Hiring
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A DuPont study showed that 82 per cent of workers who have a disability scored average or above average in performance ratings.
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A Harris study showed that 55 per cent of employers say that workers who have a disability work harder than other employees.
- Most job accommodations to help someone with a disability at work cost less than $500.
- According to the DuPont survey, 86 per cent of employees who have a disability have average to above average attendance records.
- Research shows 80 per cent of consumers prefer to support businesses with diverse workforces.
