Clearly, it was time for discoveries for citizens looking for the perfect job. The room was full. There were 177 kiosks manned by employers from various sectors, experts in adult training and hiring support.
Immigrants, students or mature workers… it doesn’t matter. People could find the information they needed for reorientation or initial integration into the job market. As proof, the event counted on the participation of the Granby Association for Intellectual Disability and Autism (AGDIA).
“We are here to recruit candidates and employers who wish to offer inclusive opportunities to people living with intellectual disabilities (ID) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD),” explained its general director, Diane Dumont.
Support and accompaniment
For several years, AGDIA has supported its candidates by offering a range of services adapted to enable them to realize their full potential. The organization supports job searches, curriculum writing and interviews. Monitoring can continue throughout your career. Employers are also supported to adapt their approaches to the specific needs of candidates.
“We realize that the targeted people need support to put routines in place and reduce stress, in particular. The employer can also contact us. He is informed, aware, since certain candidates experience great sensitivity. They may be overloaded by certain elements of work or daily life,” added the manager.
“Our approach focuses above all on adaptation.”
— Diane Dumont
Already, the organization has developed collaborations with various employers in sectors such as food, retail and manufacturing. It offers recruitment services for companies from a list of candidates and offers training on inclusion for successful integration.
The hole and the love at first sight
The organization’s specialists who work in the field are familiar with the realities and functioning of people living with ID or ASD. Trainer and career advisor, Martine Daigle listed some examples of cases that required support from a worker.
Diane Dumont and Martine Daigle proudly represented AGDIA. (Nicolas T. Parent/La Voix de l’Est)
“I followed a person in her employ and I noticed that she was not necessarily receptive. Finally she told me she had a hole in her stocking. It may seem trivial, but the hole took up all the space in his mind. That’s all she felt,” the lady said.
For her part, Diane Dumont tells the story of a candidate who fell in love with another employee at her workplace. The organization supported it, since it was a first experience. The young woman had never experienced love at first sight before. The feelings destabilized her to the point of affecting her performance at work.
“We also helped a young man whose public transport route was changed in conjunction with roadworks. A detail for ordinary mortals, but it was lost and the situation took up all the space,” admitted Ms. Dumont.
“The situation may seem bizarre and the employer may not know how to react. We are present on the ground to support, explain and resolve the problem.”
— Martine Daigle
Win-win
The general director insists on one thing. The presence of people with special needs in the labor market requires a fair amount of adaptation, but brings multiple benefits to stakeholders. A well-integrated employee gains autonomy and esteem. Work helps break isolation and risks linked to mental health.
“People with particular challenges, living with ASD or ID, are able to work and contribute to society. You just have to accommodate them, as with any employee, regardless of the situation and the challenges. We have to give them the chance and the time.”
The employer, for his part, benefits from a Source of labor that is too little used in a situation of generalized shortage. Ms. Dumont praises the qualities of a punctual, attentive and meticulous clientele. People with special challenges see all the details. Logical understanding is particularly high.
“And they’re always in a good mood. They rally people and are very methodical. Every morning, they don’t want to miss work. Dedicated and motivated people, who have plenty of qualities that employers are looking for. You don’t have to stop at the first day of work. Adaptation and patience,” recalled the general director.
Citizens and employers interested in learning more can visit the AGDIA website. It is possible to contribute financially to the mission of the organization, which has supported families and people with specific challenges for 55 years.
