Toronto – March of Dimes Canada (MODC) is excited to announce the launch of a new online toolkit encouraging disability-inclusive employment practices in Canada’s health care sector.

The Inspire, Hire, Train, Retain (IHTR) initiative is the result of a year-long collaboration between 12 Ontario-based organizations with the aim of increasing diversity and representation among health care workers.

Led by Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and Halton Healthcare, the IHTR initiative is a free resource for all health care providers in Canada who want to train their staff on the most up-to-date practices for identifying, hiring, and retaining people with disabilities. The “training in a box” design includes all the materials necessary to ensure your organization’s employment practices meet industry standards and best practices.

“As an organization focused on dismantling barriers, improving access to services, and enhancing opportunities for people with disabilities, we’re proud to be part of this project and we encourage others to join us,” said Len Baker, MODC President and CEO. “This initiative is about celebrating the skills, knowledge, and perspectives people with disabilities bring to the labour market.”

The free toolkit includes a training implementation guide, a facilitator’s guide, and an online training module that health care providers and people leaders can use when educating staff. Holland Bloorview is also hosting a webinar on February 19 offering more specific details about how to set up a training session.

“People with disabilities and health conditions work and thrive in a variety of roles in Ontario health care organizations, yet there is more to be done to ensure our policies and processes are truly inclusive,” said Tracey Millar, Vice President, People and Culture at Holland Bloorview.

Funding for this initiative was provided by the Government of Ontario and The Holland Bloorview Foundation.

The following healthcare and employment service organizations co-developed IHTR with Holland Bloorview and Halton Healthcare: Health Sciences North, The Hospital for Sick Children, Norfolk General Hospital, Sault Area Hospital, St. Joseph’s Health Care London, St. Joseph’s Lifecare Brantford, West Haldimand General Hospital, Community Living Oakville, March of Dimes Canada, Ontario Disability Employment Network (ODEN).

Questions about the IHTR training materials? Contact Laura Bowman, Project Manager at Holland Bloorview by email at lbowman@hollandbloorview.ca