Employers can strengthen their organization by fostering diversity in the workforce.

The VRRI has a long history of helping the individuals with disabilities we serve establish successful, enduring, mutually rewarding partnerships with employers in the community.

Our employment specialists seek job placements in which our clients will be able to meet all of your expectations, make valuable contributions and earn opportunities for advancement.

The VRRI’s employment specialists can also assist an employer to recognize potential job opportunities within your existing organization that may otherwise have been overlooked.

In short: we find the right employment fit, both for employers and the individuals with disabilities we support.

Strengthening the Workforce through Support – What the VRRI Does

The VRRI is committed to helping the people with disabilities we serve succeed. Through our supported employment program, we identify client interests and skills, develop implementation plans, explore options and provide the necessary support to secure jobs.

Once a match is established, our experienced and highly qualified staff provide ongoing support to both the employee and the employer so that productivity and quality of work are maintained.

To learn more about hiring a VRRI client, please contact Jason Manderson

The Cornerstones of Successfully Employing Persons with Disabilities

• Recognizing that all individuals can make valuable contributions and have the same opportunities for advancement
• Compensating all individuals fairly for work performed, with work falling within the Alberta Employment Standards
• Developing natural working relationships between individuals with disabilities and their employers and co-workers
• Understanding that support staff are a resource for employers and to the person with a disability they are supporting
• Creating a realistic match between individuals with disabilities and employers is critical to success – support staff are there to assist clients to do their job to the best of their ability.

What Employers of VRRI Clients Are Saying

“It makes us feel good that (our employee) feels good about working here. The VRRI employment program has matched us with the employee we needed. Long term involvement with the VRRI has benefited our company!”

Karen Cal-Alta Auto Glass Store Manager

“The VRRI provides an excellent service as staff are considerate, very thoughtful and conscientious of the individuals they serve. I’m particularly lucky with the support I receive, as the workers jump right in and model great work ethics!”

Kathleen Employer

“Without hesitation, I strongly recommend the VRRI, you will not be disappointed!”

Private Business Owner

More Information

To learn more about employing a person with a disability or to discuss hiring a VRRI client, please contact Jason Manderson via e-mail or by calling (403) 284-1121 ext. 341.

Employing Persons with Disabilities Resources

Employment Services for Persons with Disabilities Human Resources Development Canada and Alberta Human Resources and Employment have developed a series of guides relating to employment for persons with disabilities. This includes the guide," "Tips for Employers,” which provides useful information specifically for employers. For a copy of the series (catalogue #437188), contact the Learning Resources Centre at (780) 427-5775 (toll free by dialling 310-0000). The series is also available online at www.alis.gov.ab.ca.

Work-site Accommodation Work-site accommodation, the process by which a work-site is modified to remove barriers for an individual with a disability, can often be done inexpensively.

Employers who renovate to accommodate a worker with a disability can claim the full cost of the renovation, through Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA), in the year the work was done. Funding assistance is also available through Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC). Work-site accommodations may also be available through Alberta Human Resources and Employment. For more information, contact your nearest Canada-Alberta Service Centre or Career Development Centre.

For information on work-site accommodation, contact the Job Accommodation Service (JAS) at 1-800-664-0925 or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Visit the JAS website (operated through the Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work).

Other Resources

Alberta Association for Supported Employment – www.aase.ca

Alberta Human Resources and Employment – http://www3.gov.ab.ca/hre/

Alberta Office for Disability Issues – www.seniors.gov.ab.ca/css/odi/disability_info/index.asp

Canadian Association for Supported Employment – www.supportedemployment.ca

Council of Canadians with Disabilities – www.ccdonline.ca

The Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work – www.ccrw.org

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