Posted at 7:00 a.m.
Q. Where did the idea for a 5000 sq. ft. vegetable garden come from?2 and hire people living with an intellectual disability or an autism spectrum disorder?
A. The Gray Nuns, who occupied the premises for 200 years, have always been very involved in the community. Moreover, the vegetables they grew were, in part, intended to feed the patients of the Montreal General Hospital. At Manoir D’Youville, we have always been committed to perpetuating this social heritage and giving back to the community. Each time we implement something new, we do so with the aim of having a positive impact in our immediate community. Our vegetable garden project is no exception.
Like all industries today, we are facing labor shortages. On the other hand, we know that people with autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disabilities are still stigmatized or forgotten in the labor market, even in today’s economic environment. We therefore had the idea of giving this clientele employment and development opportunities within our team. It is therefore 10 young people from the region with autism spectrum disorder or an intellectual disability who work in our team year-round. They are matched with experienced employees and will eventually receive a diploma attesting to their success according to the principles of the Learning in the Workplace Program. By offering them work, we are getting involved in our community while ensuring succession within our team. Everybody wins !
Q. How can a company deal with the challenge of integration and learning when hiring people with intellectual disabilities or living with an autism spectrum disorder?
A. To ensure the sustainability of a project of this kind, I believe it is wise to be supported by competent organizations or specialized programs. For our project, we have subscribed to a work integration program for people with intellectual disabilities or autism spectrum disorder, in collaboration with the Integrated Health and Social Services Center of Montérégie- West. In addition, the young people we have hired are supervised by two rehabilitation workers, who support them in their journey to acquire social and professional skills. These organizations and stakeholders are essential in helping us create a work environment conducive to the development and growth of these young people and our employees, from raising awareness among other employees to the distribution of tasks, including delivery of work instructions and feedback.
Q. Is it an obligation for companies to be open to diversity?
A. Without being an obligation, I believe that companies have every interest in opening up to diversity! First, I find that diversity is one of a company’s greatest assets. Having people on your team from different backgrounds and with varied skills and experience allows you to learn from each other and promotes creativity. Second, I believe diversity is very good for employer branding. We currently live in a context of labor shortage where future candidates are spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing a job. They seek more to work for an organization representative of society that shares their values. Thus, I believe that companies that display their openness to diversity strengthen their attractiveness on the job market.