Category: Community Involvement

Many owners and managers underestimate the importance of this activity, they do so at their peril. Community involvement is a fundamental key to success.

Illuminating frustrating places

Paul Wagenaar

We all have good intentions when it comes to most things, including looking for a first job, a replacement job, or any job. It sounds simple enough but for some and for people who live with barriers to employment it can be easier said than done. I have found the best way to eliminate an obstacle or navigate a path through a frustrating situation is illumination. Illumination and the breaking down of the obstacle until I can work with the pieces.

This is a brief guide for people who find the process difficult, frustrating, and even a dark, scary place to be.

– Common things we should do but don’t always.

Paul Wagenaar

I was inspired to write this because of a motorcycle at 6:30 on my one day to sleep in this week. After ranting for several minutes I decided to channel my energy into something positive. We all complain about what we don’t like … what if I wrote about all the things a good neighbour would and does do? This was the result, please feel free to add your comments and thoughts.

What is accessibility? Are we compliant or complicit – Accessibility in 2025?

Paul Wagenaar

We notice the ramps, the braille on some washroom signs, we all sometimes use the power door options when we have large items to get through doors, but do we notice the places that aren’t accessible?

More than 20 years legislation became law that guaranteed accessibility standards for people who live with barriers and disabilities. The law promised action. It has been hit or miss, there have been some improvements, but not enough. We need to ask ourselves are we compliant or are we complicit? We also need to advocate and take action.

How well do you read social cues?

Paul Wagenaar

As a career advisor who works with people who live with barriers it is interesting reversing perspectives about social cues. Most people who live with barriers have to learn to adapt to social cues that are not intrinsic to them, what are you doing to recognize and accommodate their social cues?

This post is a brief introduction to social cues that could add understanding and appreciation to our daily interaction with people who experience barriers. The more we support diversity, equity, and inclusiveness; the more opportunities for growth we all have.

WINS, LOSES, TIES, and other ways to find VICTORY – Part 1

Paul Wagenaar

Have you ever tried to get into a building but couldn’t open the door? Have you ever needed immediate assistance only to be told you will have to go on a waiting list for six months or more? Have you ever wanted a job but didn’t get it knowing that you were not considered, not because you couldn’t do the job, but because of someone’s bias you weren’t given a chance?

In Canada everyone has the right to employment, but it is far from a “level playing field;” people who live with barriers, including disabilities have to work harder to achieve their wins, they often lose, occasionally tie, and have to find ways to make progress and achieve a measure of victory.

In this, part 1 or 2, I hope to illuminate some of the barriers, the challenges, and to help dispel the myths and biases to help people who live with barriers and disabilities to achieve their employment goals.

We need your awareness and your commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusiveness.

Answer …  Everything is about value and standing out

Paul Wagenaar

We are conditioned by society not to stand out, we all suffer to one extent or another because of the education system and by human nature. Fortunately “blending in” is a learned behavior that can be “unlearned.” The journey to success is helped by learning to stand out, to always provide value and it doesn’t matter if it is for yourself, personally, or for your organization; and it is something you can do, you can even start today.

It is always worth the effort …

Paul Wagenaar

Hiring a student or welcoming a coop student into your workplace is an investment in our collective future. The practical skills and knowledge they gain builds on their academic abilities. Take the time to prepare and anticipate the work involved and collaboratively make them part of your team.

Train them and allow them to demonstrate to you they can make meaningful contributions when provided with opportunities.

What would/could you do?

Paul Wagenaar

I am worried for my children and our family, I am worried for my community, and I am worried for everyone. One has doesn’t have to read what the experts are saying, you just have to go outside and see for yourself. Our collective actions are threatening our planet and our survival.

I am not a reactionary, but I am an environmentalist. I am also a businessperson and someone trained as an economist, I appreciate the costs of what, as one person I am suggesting; however we have to change and we have to change now.

MORE TEACHABLE MOMENTS

Paul Wagenaar

I work assisting people who are experiencing barriers to employment overcome them and find jobs that either accomplish their goals or take them to the next step on their individual journeys.

My role as a coach and mentor constantly reminds me of the lessons shared with me during my career, this post is the next chapter on “lessons learned” from my November 24th post.

A far too common reality …

Paul Wagenaar

In Canada this weekend was for Thanksgiving and I thought reposting this story would be appropriate. The person in this post may be fictional; however, her story is one that is playing out daily in every community in Canada. People who are struggling need our understanding, our help to survive, and for us to provide a framework so they can have their lives back.

Each of us can help, we have a responsibility to make a difference.