What is the name of your business, what sector is it in, and where is it located?
City Tire & Auto Centre Ltd.

How many people do you employ?
Currently City Tire & Auto Centre Ltd. employs just over 100 people. During peak seasons they have employed over 120 people (over all 10 locations Province-Wide).

How long have you been in business?
Since October 1977, we are approaching our 50th anniversary.

How long have you employed people with disabilities?
Since November 2014.

How many people with disabilities have you hired?
This was our first hiring strategy that sought out to hire a person with a disability.

Comment on your experience and the value added to your business by hiring employees with disabilities.
Not only has morale improved at each location that the employee visits on a weekly basis, but our managers and sales staff have been commended by customers regarding City Tire & Auto’s commitment to work inclusion. Some customers have even gone that extra step to call me personally to show their admiration for our involvement.

What would you say to an employer who has never hired people with disabilities?
We are thrilled with the result and encourage other employers to participate in such an enriching program. Your customers will soon realize your social contribution to the community and will share their experiences with others.

For those potential employers who are reluctant to take the plunge; concerned with the type of work or the work load required for that position: right from the start Visions Employment Inc. was excited to work with us, determining that the position we’re offering was suitable, and prescreening candidates to ensure the possible new hire was able and willing to complete the job. Even after employment, the Vision’s staff were eager to assist in coaching the employee as well as the management teams at City Tire & Auto to ensure a healthy long-term connection. We were pleasantly surprised that even a job coach was provided. This was greatly welcomed during the early stages of employment, where the employee needed time to learn the job tasks, work schedules, and develop routines. It has been over a year since the departure of his job coach and we see no need to change this anytime soon. The employee keeps busy, takes pride in his work, is meticulous, and incredibly punctual…all welcomed attributes of an employee.

What does an inclusive workplace look like for you?
An inclusive workplace is one that does not condone any form of discrimination; neither harassment in the workplace nor prejudice during interviews; preliminary selections; and job offerings. Inclusion requires an understanding that each person is unique, with unique abilities or the lack-of certain abilities, which often is accompanied by an unconventional way of thinking or procedure. Inclusion is open-minded and non-judgmental.