This program matches employers with people with disabilities. Does it work?

It's been roughly one year since Kevin McShan was hired as an ambassador and regional spokesperson for Windsor's Discover Ability Network.

The program is an online job matching portal that helps employers hire people with disabilities. It's operated by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. Windsor is the first — and only — hub for the program.

"Before the chamber started this project ... they conducted a survey and 77 per cent of small and medium-sized businesses said they were willing to hire people with disabilities, but they just didn't know where to look," said McShan, who has spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy.

"So the network was created in part to close that gap."

'A lack of awareness'

According to the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, there have been more than 70 resumes uploaded into the system and about 800 job matches since December 2018.

McShan's goal is to teach employers that it's not that difficult to hire people with disabilities.

"It's a lack of education and a lack of awareness that people with disabilities have the skill set and have this ability to be a positive contributor to the work force," he said.

"There is certainly a talent pool to pick from."

'A terrific asset'

Louie DiPalma, Vice-President of SME programs with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, said the program is working. He's pleased with the numbers so far, adding McShan has been a great champion for the program.

"He's been terrific asset for the team because he really understands the community, he understands the issues. He has many connections, so he's been a [real] asset in trying to forward the notion of creating a hiring hub for persons with disabilities."

Hear more from McShan and DiPalma on the CBC's Afternoon Drive:

DiPalma said a survey conducted by the chamber of commerce shows the number one issue for most businesses is the need for talent to increase productivity. DiPalma added that the Discover Ability Network helps these employers connect with a highly-skilled demographic.

For McShan, there are still challenges which need to be addressed. 

"The next step for the project is to make sure that we open up the flood-gates of opportunities for employers to get connected and actually use the system to post jobs and use it to ultimately hire and make sure that people with disabilities are given full access to every inclusive employment opportunity out there," he said.

According to DiPalma, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce plans to move forward with more campaigns in the fall to get even more employers and employees into the system — and eventually, expand the program throughout Southwestern Ontario.