There are thousands of Canadians with disabilities and they bring a wide range of capabilities to your business!

In the past, persons with disabilities were referred to as "handicapped" - like many other terms, this is no longer acceptable. When considering a person with a disability for employment in your business, focus on what the person can do instead of what they can't.

Attitude and physical barriers are the main reasons why so many talented and educated persons with disabilities are unemployed, or under-employed. Removing these barriers and tapping into the talents of persons with disabilities makes great business sense.

Quality Customer Service:  Deaf Barista up to Job
Reporter: Bob Nixon, CBC News - Vancouver, January 2, 2009

"Why is a deaf man working on the front line of a customer service job? Because he can." 

A Starbucks store manager in British Columbia has developed a simple system for an employee with a hearing imparment to take orders from customers.  Even with a seemingly endless amount of combinations for coffee, the employee is able to quickly ascertain what a customer wants as they point to their selections on a board itemizing the products.  A small sign beside the cash lets the customers know that Jason, the counter attendant, is deaf and to use the board he shows you.  The feedback has been positive with customers commending the store and chain for making the accommodation for their employee. 

The open acceptance and proactive steps are actually the result of a successful human rights claim from a former employee stating that Starbucks had been discriminatory in the termination of his employment due to a hearing impairment.

Source:  www.CBC.ca