An organization based in Regina is making sure people experiencing disabilities can enter the workforce. Since 2014, 4to40 has helped over 80 individuals find employment which matches their skill sets. The program currently has 32 employed clients. Donna Flaman-Johnson is the inclusion employment broker at 4to40. She handles the application process for clients, as well as finding the appropriate employer for clients. “It’s huge when we are able to make that perfect match between the person, and what the employer needs,” she said. “It really is trying to find meaningful work for the employee that is also meaningful work for the employer,” she added. Mik is a client of 4to40 and has held a position at Sticks & Doodles for two years. He enjoys working with his hands and said the position makes the most of his strengths. “I like it. I grew up working with my hands. As a kid, I would always help my dad build things,” he said. A career coach was brought in during Mik’s first weeks to help during the training process. Sticks & Doodles are one of the 50 employer partners of 4to40. Kyle Moffatt is a co-founder of Sticks and Doodles. He said having Mik as an employee has helped create a better work environment, one where the work life balance and mental health of employees is now a focus for the show. “The whole program has really taught me a lot about positive HR policies. Not just with someone that maybe has an intellectual disability, but all people,” he said. The name 4to40 represents the employers the program works with who embrace the flexibility of a workweek for clients. The organization partners with Creative Options Regina and The University of Regina Campus for All: Post Secondary Inclusive Education Program. On Oct. 2, the Government of Saskatchewan declared this month as Disability Employment Awareness Month.
