Meet Red Chair HR: A Celebration of People Award Nominee

Tonight's Celebration of People (a collaborative partnership of community organizations, which include lead partner Citizen Advocacy of Ottawa, Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre, CNIB, East Region, Ontario, providing services and programs for people with disabilities) Awards Dinner is the ninth annual event of its kind. The awards presentation coincides with December 3 - designated by the United Nations as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

The awards "recognize the achievements and contributions of individuals, businesses and organizations promoting accessibility, inclusion and full community participation by citizens with disabilities" (www.2.citizenadvocacy.org/.../about/).

One of the nominees in the Employment category is Red Chair HR.

Red Chair is unique because it "is the only private staffing service available in Canada that specifically accommodates people with disabilities in finding and securing temporary, freelance and permanent work placement. Through education, employers learn of the benefits of an inclusive and diverse workplace; while employees with disabilities have access to skill marketing, résumé writing and interview preparation services" (http://www2.citizenadvocacy.org/celebrationofpeople/en/finalists/).

"We skill market people's talents and abilities to potential clients," Kimberley Butler, the founding president and CEO of the agency, told me during a chat late this morning.

"We really make sure we connect with that person, so we know what their intentions are and what they want ... I don't feel people should just settle (for any job)."

Butler, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis earlier this year, started the agency in March, as a way to help both herself and others (http://www.ottawasun.com/news/ottawa/2010/02/28/13059751.html).

She added: "I feel there's a huge business case for hiring professionals with disabilities and an inclusive and diverse corporate culture. Red Chair is part of that culture."

I agree! Bonne chance tonight, Red Chair HR!