Join the professionals at Ready, Willing and Able for a session highlighting the benefits of working with people who have intellectual disabilities and people on the autism spectrum. They will dispel persistent myths, reveal why this large talented, Canadian community has previously been unfairly ostracized from the workforce, reinforce the inherent value they bring to all workplaces, and discuss the ways employers can create more inclusive workplaces.

 Key Learning Objectives:

• Develop a greater understanding about autism and intellectual disability
• Learn best practices for an inclusive interview process
• Recognize the components and business benefits of creating an inclusive workplace

Presenter Bios:

Kelsey Ross is a Labour Market Facilitator for the Ready, Willing and Able (RWA) project based in Ottawa. With a Social Work Degree from Carleton University, inclusive hiring has been a long-time passion of hers. Kelsey has supported individuals who self-identify as autistic and/or having an intellectual disability for the past 5 years in various settings. Kelsey has been working with the RWA initiative for the past year and has been supporting numerous employers reach their employment goals.

Natalie Bianco is a Labour Market Facilitator for the Ready, Willing and Able (RWA) project, Natalie has a background in Autism and Applied Behavioral Studies, and has worked in clinical, educational and community based settings. Natalie is passionate about supporting employers in the Hamilton/Niagara regions to realize the business benefits of inclusive hiring.

Neil Adams is a Labour Market Facilitator for the central Toronto and York Regions. Arriving from the UK in 2007 to complete his post-graduate studies, he has worked as a researcher, tutor supporting neuro-diverse children, employment coach in British Columbia, job developer and supervisor of a Youth Job Connection program in the GTA and is proud to be working alongside talented and passionate individuals in the RWA initiative.

Justin Scarsella is the Labour Market Facilitator for the east end of the GTA, specifically focusing on the Durham Region and as far east as Belleville. With a background in Marketing and Sales, Justin transferred those skills into a Job Developer roll for the past 6 years working with job seekers with multiple barriers to employment. Now, he has moved into the Labour Market Facilitator roll in order to work with a team that is excited to help job seekers everyday as they connect with employers who want to improve their inclusive hiring practices.

Jim Timmins is the Labour Market Facilitator for the Waterloo/ Wellington Area, as Community Autism Consultant at Kerry’s Place Autism Services he has support families, youth and adults in a varied programs and projects for the last 20 years. After supporting individuals with our Young Adults Project with employment supports he was excited to join the RWA initiative to help Employers see the possibilities and develop their Inclusive hiring practices.

 Kiarra Partington is the Labour Market Facilitator for the Peel and Halton regions. She is an experienced consultant with a demonstrated history through her roles as a support worker and job coach, supporting people on the autism spectrum in finding meaningful employment and education. She brings a wealth of skills and knowledge to her work and speaks from a position of great authority, showing employers the most successful paths to creating truly inclusive workplaces for all.