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21 WINTER 2024 MENTORABILITY MENTORABILITY FOSTERS MORE INCLUSIVE WORKPLACES MentorAbility is a national support- ed employment initiative that helps persons with disabilities to explore career interests and the kind of job they want to do. MentorAbility is fund- ed by the Government of Canada's Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities. The Canadian Association for Supported Employment (CASE) co- ordinates MentorAbility Canada in collaboration with MentorAbility Hubs located across the country. In Manitoba, the local MentorAbility Hub is operated through WASO, which has a mission to improve the qual- ity of life for people experiencing disabilities through training, services, advocacy and social opportunities. MentorAbility Hubs are the first point for local employment service providers, persons experiencing dis- ability and employers to connect with the national MentorAbility Canada network. These Hubs work with employers and community partners to deliver the MentorAbility initiative in communi- ties. This complimentary initiative pro- vides in-person and virtual mentoring experiences, networking, learning events, social media campaigns and research activities. With a specific focus on facilitat- ing short mentoring opportunities — ranging from one hour to one day — between employers and persons experiencing disability, MentorAbility is part of a national effort to promote the employment of Canadians experi- encing disability. As part of this process, a mentee (who wants to learn more about a job) meets with a mentor (who works in a job that interests them), either online or in person. The mentor — who could be working at a company, be self-em- ployed or be retired — shares knowl- edge with the mentee. The experience is reciprocal since the mentor also learns from the mentee. A mentorship facilitator or com- munity partner helps to guide the experience. Service providers who participate in MentorAbility assist local job seekers and employers, and the experience also brings benefits to their own organization. They can join an active and engaged community of practice and access a network to share best practices, up-to-date resources and new ideas. Community partners can participate in training and access funding for activities that increase awareness, all while helping to create more inclusive workplaces. MentorAbility also organizes networking and learning events for employers, while also celebrating mentorship experiences and inclusive employers through social media. In addition, it's active with Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM), which takes place in October. Employers also experience many benefits by participating in MentorAbility. They can gain access to a new talent pool, strengthen employ- ee engagement and inclusion skills and provide staff with professional de- velopment. They also have the chance to expand their network and promote their work through MentorAbility Canada. While employers learn about inclu- sion, people experiencing disabilities have the chance to explore jobs that interest them and that might be a good fit. All participants are supported throughout the process. MentorAbility can help to strength- en workplace culture and to bolster mentorship practices that support advancement and knowledge transfer. More information about MentorAbility is available on social media. You can also visit www.sup- portedemployment.ca/mentorability or call 204-226-2844. MentorAbilityMB MentorAbility-Manitoba MentorAbilityMB The CASE MentorAbility initiative is funded by the Government of Canada's Opportunity Fund for Persons with Disabilities Program.

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