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Physical
Developmental
Neurodiverse
Episodic

What do you think when you hear the word Disability?

Whether physical, developmental, neurodiverse, or episodic, did you know the term ‘disability’ covers over 300 conditions? 1 in 3 Canadians identify as having a disability and more than 800,000 people with disabilities have the potential to find meaningful employment, but are not employed.

At Food Processing Skills Canada, We see the ability and the opportunity.

Food Processing Skills Canada welcomes you to FoodAbility, a groundbreaking program dedicated to bridging the gap between individuals with disabilities and hiring businesses in Canada’s food and beverage manufacturing industry. Our goal is to see a diverse and inclusive food sector that embraces the abilities of all individuals and demonstrates the benefits these opportunities bring to your business.

What will FoodAbility do?

  1. Promote Inclusivity: Create awareness with industry employers on the benefits and business case of inclusive employment practices and offer professional support to help get started.
  2. Educate HR Professionals: Provide HR professionals with insights and strategies to rethink recruitment and interviews and support individuals with disabilities throughout their employment lifecycle.
  3. Support Employees: Enlighten coworkers on effective ways to support their colleagues with disabilities, fostering a more inclusive work environment.
  4. Partner with Agencies, Organizations and Social Enterprise: Create awareness of the food and beverage manufacturing sector and the entire value chain. Develop relationships and facilitate introductions to employers through FPSC.
  5. Raise Awareness: Increase public awareness about the employment opportunities available for individuals with disabilities within the food and beverage industry.
  6. Support Individuals: Encourage those with disabilities to explore opportunities in our industry and provide learning opportunities, recognition and introductions to their next job and career.

Are you ready to get involved? Employers and Service Agencies, join us by registering today!

We ask that you join us.

"Disability doesn’t make you exceptional but questioning what you think you know about it does."

Assumptions Become

Reality

Assume That I Can

Madison Tevlin

Assumptions in the workplace can have a pretty broad impact, affecting everything from the overall company culture to productivity and individual job satisfaction.

Click on LEARN MORE to look at some of the ways assumptions can shake things up at work, and what we can do to make things better.

We See the Ability

and the Opportunity

What is FoodAbility

FoodAbility is Food Processing Skills Canada’s flagship program supporting employers in creating an inclusive and productive workplace through funded education, interactive workshops and national partnerships with Disability Serving Organizations and agencies supporting those with functional limitations seeking employment.

How We Think

We are dedicated to promoting Respectful Workplaces in the Canadian food and beverage industry by raising awareness of the opportunities and benefits of implementing programs like FoodAbility to drive positive change. At Food Processing Skills Canada’s 2024 Leadership Summit, we asked industry decision-makers for their insights on inclusive and diverse workplace. Download this report to learn more!

Our Approach

We firmly believe that employers and workplaces hold the key to making Disability Inclusion the new normal. We also believe that true inclusion is not achieved through compliance but through active participation and understanding. Food Ability will support employers by prioritizing collaboration and practical experiences to create the new normal.

Together we achieve

Let's Work Together

Food Processing Skills Canada is calling on Canadian food and beverage businesses and partner organizations to participate in Food Ability and Lead the Way to promote workplace inclusivity. 

Together, we will make Disability Inclusion the New Normal and reflect the communities we live in.

Program Benefits

1

Broadened Talent Pool
Championing diversity attracts a wider array of candidates, bringing in skilled individuals with unique experiences and insights

2

Elevated Employee Morale, Retention, and Engagement
Inclusive workplaces foster a profound sense of belonging, driving higher employee satisfaction and rentention rates.

3

Enhanced Brand Reputation
Companies that prioritize inclusivity and diversity are viewed more favourably by consumers, leading to positive brand associations and increased customer trust.

Organizations We Work With

Creating an inclusive workplace culture isn’t just a box-ticking exercise; it’s a vital component of building a successful, equitable business. By collaborating with disability-serving agencies, together, we can take meaningful strides in fostering inclusivity and diversity that goes beyond mere compliance. Our partnerships are expanding across Canada to include all provinces. FPSC will make the introductions and support you every step of the way!

Get Involved

Are you ready to set the standard? Act now and pave the way for a stronger, more resilient industry.

#FoodAbility #InclusivityMatters #Oppportunity #Innovation #DiversityInTheWorkplace #FPSC #Leadership

Physical differences

These affect how someone senses things, moves, handles objects, or keeps up their energy. The causes of physical disabilities can vary – it can be hereditary, or inherited, or the result of accident, injury, illness, traumatic event or post-surgery effects.

Developmental or learning and growth differences

These start in childhood and can affect how someone learns, talks, or takes care of themselves. Examples include Autism Spectrum (ASD), Cerebral Palsy, Fragile X Syndrome, Intellectual Disability, Language Disorder, Tourette Syndrome, Epilepsy, Down Syndrome.

Neurodiverse or brain and behavioural differences

These affect how someone thinks, sees the world, interacts, or controls their actions. ADHD, Autism, Dyspraxia, and Dyslexia all fall within the spectrum of “Neurodiversity” and are all neurodiverse conditions.

Episodic or fluctuating differences

These come and go, with times when they’re more or less intense, common, or long-lasting. These may include disabilities related to long-COVID, multiple sclerosis, IBS, lupus, arthritis, cancer, HIV, diabetes and personal anxieties.