This evening, I was watching the news which included a rather depressing segment. A centre in Renfrew that provides social, life skills, and some employment opportunities for residents with disabilities is being forced to end its employment program due to Ontario's recent changes with minimum wage.
The two families interviewed during the segment said that their sons, in their twenties and thirties, and who have been working for a while now, would not be able to work at minimum-wage level jobs (one man interviewed talked about sorting recycling materials) and have been happy where they've been, getting out, contributing to the community, and just being able to say they have jobs like anyone else.
The centre's operators expressed regret about having to end the program and the men's parents are now set to make this an issue in the coming provincial election.
While the details may be different, I can certainly relate to issues with being disabled and unemployed, and the frustration that can come with dealing with government organizations and programs. It really isn't fair. These young men, or anyone else in this kind of situation for that matter, should be able to do what they've been doing and enjoy a little independence and ego boost in the process! Surely some exceptions can be made given the circumstances.
For all our society goes on about inclusion, independence, etc. we sure don't do a good job of making it a reality. I'll stop there before I start to ramble. Maybe save that for another post??
I'll just end with saying I very much hope that the powers-that-be here in Ontario listen to this story and that some generous Renfrew business owners take it upon themselves to do good and employ these young men.
Cheers
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