Frequently Asked Questions

Ready, Willing and Able (RWA) is looking for employers from all industries that want a competitive edge and are willing to make a commitment to hire someone with an intellectual disability and/ or on the autism spectrum. Ready, Willing and Able is designed to help employers understand the value of inclusive hiring.

Is your business ready, willing and able to hire a person with an intellectual disability and/ or on the autism spectrum?
Here’s what you need to know to build an inclusive labour force:

Q: What should I expect from an employee with an intellectual disability and/ or on the autism spectrum?

A: Like people without a disability, individuals with an intellectual disability and/ or on the autism spectrum are all different, with unique strengths, weaknesses, skills and talents. RWA assists employers in hiring candidates for positions that align with their skills and strengths. As such, the employees will likely have exactly what you are looking for, including experience and interest in your field of work and a strong dedication to their role. Remember, performance comes in different packages!

Q: How will inclusive hiring benefit my business?

A: Many employers find it difficult to find long-term, motivated and reliable employees. Employees with intellectual disabilities and/ or on the autism spectrum are an underutilized labour source that will enhance the creativity of your workforce, provide a broader base of experience and help shift the emphasis to individual strengths and talents.

Q: Do I have to offer full-time hours to participate?

A: Full-time hours are not necessary. RWA assists in identifying candidates that will meet the needs of your company. Part-time, seasonal or summer employment may be exactly what a potential employee with an intellectual disability and/ or on the autism spectrum is looking for.

Q: Do I have to offer full-time hours to participate?

A: Full-time hours are not necessary. RWA assists in identifying candidates that will meet the needs of your company. Part-time, seasonal or summer employment may be exactly what a potential employee with an intellectual disability and/ or on the autism spectrum is looking for.

Q: Will I have support?

A: RWA provides (free of charge) required support to both employers and employees hired via RWA. If needed, necessary supports (i.e. job coaches, on-the-job accommodations or workplace modifications) are made available; both initially or on an on-going basis.

Q: What accommodations do I need to make?

A: Every employee is different, with unique abilities and needs. As such, all employees, with or without disabilities, require accommodations of some sort. Most of the time, accommodations for employees with an intellectual disability and/ or on the autism spectrum do not cost your business anything at all. If necessary, RWA will provide disability awareness training, workplace modifications or assistive technologies at no cost to the employer.

Q: How will inclusive hiring affect my other employees?

A: Many employers have reported that hiring individuals with an intellectual disability and/ or on the autism spectrum has enhanced their teamwork and improved the dynamic of their workplace. However, if issues do arise, RWA will provide the needed support to help you.

Q: What compensation do I offer?

A: It is expected that employees hired via RWA will be paid at the same rate (and with the same benefits) as your other employees in similar roles.

Q: What about liability?

A: As a responsible employer, you already provide a safe workplace, Workers’ Compensation and general insurance coverage. Hiring someone with an intellectual disability and/ or on the autism spectrumdoes not increase your liability.

More than 75% of employers rate workers with intellectual disabilities or on the autism spectrum are as good to very good on most performance factors.

People with intellectual disabilities are found to be loyal, stable, dependable and competent employees who can reliably perform routine work tasks

High performance organizations are 37% more likely to hire people with intellectual disabilities or autism spectrum disorder.

There are no exceptional costs to hiring an individual with an intellectual disability or on the autism spectrum.

“Overall, it’s no different than hiring any other employee. You have to put the right person with the right job and RWA provides the help and guidance that you need.” -Mike Stargratt, regional manager, Wendy’s restaurants of PEI.