The Ontario Job Opportunity Information Network in partnership with Service Canada held the second "Career Fair for Job Seekers with Disabilities" on March 29, 2012 in Toronto. The event was a resounding success based on numbers of job seekers attending (over 1,600), selling out the employer exhibitor booths, and the overall feedback from both job seekers and employers.

Knowing that the unemployment rates for persons with disabilities in Ontario is five times higher than any other demographic and a large majority of persons with disabilities are living well below the poverty line. The impact of this event is far greater than the achievement of numbers, it is the impact it has on our communities, families, caregivers, employer awareness, and finally, on the increase of employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.

During the day, the Career Fair Connection received 1,614 job seekers with disabilities (776 pre-registered online and 838 attended the event as walk-in clients). There were 40 booths representing some of Canada's top employers, recruiters and hiring managers were giving information and receiving applications from the attendees.

The Entrepreneurs Exhibit was a special section occupied by business owners with disabilities, where they had the opportunity to promote their products and services and also an opportunity to be a role model and encourage other persons with disabilities to start their own businesses.

Based on feedback from previous year, there was an area where job seekers could relax, reflect, network and eat their lunch, have coffee or tea in a welcoming comfortable environment. Scotiabank generously sponsored this area.

In addition, throughout the day job seekers were invited to participate in several workshops delivered by Ontario's business leaders who provided great insights into securing employment for persons with disabilities.

At noon TD Bank sponsored the inspirational key note speaker of the event: Tim McCallum. Anyone who listens to Tim’s words of resilience will feel encouraged. Besides listening to Tim speak, you will experience his incredible voice and leave feeling encouraged and inspired. Tim spoke about the importance of following your dream no matter what challenges come before you. He also shared his personal dreams and aspirations for his career post his accident when he became a quadrepligic. He finished his keynote presentation with “Time to Say Goodbye” as he is moving back to Australia to further pursue his dreams.

Ontario JOIN was delighted with the amazing turn out of the job seekers and continued support of our employer partners. We are hoping that the Career Fair Connection will create increased employment opportunities for people with disabilities.