On a clear weekday morning in Lethbridge, Alberta, Cindy Kobler walks into a small accounting firm with a bundle of labeled envelopes. With precision, she organizes delivery schedules and then proceeds to her office to complete a stack of paperwork. While this may seem like routine office tasks, each closed drawer and delivered envelope symbolizes years of dedication and perseverance for Kobler, a journey that many individuals with disabilities in Alberta still grapple with.
Being diagnosed with autism, Kobler faced challenges finding workplaces that would accommodate her abilities. Now, with the support of the Southern Alberta Community Living Association (SACLA), she benefits from employment programs that conduct thorough assessments to identify strengths, weaknesses, and suitable work environments for participants. “If I had any questions or concerns, they always addressed them, so I never felt alone,” Kobler shared.
Although Kobler’s success story is inspiring, it is not the common experience for individuals with disabilities in Canada. According to Statistics Canada, in 2024, the employment rate for people with disabilities across the nation stood at 46.4%, contrasting with 66.2% for those without disabilities.
In Alberta, there is a brighter outlook. In the same year, the province boasted the highest employment rate for individuals with disabilities in the country at 53%. Mitch Lawson, who coordinates employment placements for SACLA, emphasized their efforts to level the playing field. The organization collaborates with various businesses but has found a niche in local establishments and blue-collar roles like manufacturing and logistics, known for their low turnover and high employee retention rates.
In Kobler’s case, her role at Avail CPA was shaped through trial tasks and gradual adjustments to align with her skills and the company’s needs. Programs like SACLA’s also provide support to new management during staffing changes to ensure they understand how to assist employees with disabilities and maintain a productive work environment.
Scott Rowland, Kobler’s boss and managing partner at Avail CPA, highlighted the positive impact she has had on the company culture. He expressed appreciation for her personality and the valuable contributions she has made through tasks they had not previously realized were missing.
Despite Alberta’s strong disability employment statistics and the SACLA’s $11 million funding over three years from the province, Lawson acknowledged that the system is strained. Without additional funding, it will be challenging to extend support to more individuals, leading to some falling through the cracks.
One such individual is Chris Ryan from Calgary, who uses a wheelchair and seeks full-time employment to live independently and hire personal support. He emphasized the transformative impact of gainful employment and the opportunities it could bring. Lawson urged for increased government support at all levels to enable more Albertans to follow Kobler’s successful path.
Assisted Living and Social Services Minister Jason Nixon reaffirmed the province’s commitment to disability employment support by increasing investment to $185 million in the current fiscal year. This funding aligns with the government’s strategy to boost labor force participation and respond to advocacy and service provider demands.
Nixon stressed the importance of directing a substantial portion of the funding to rural communities, where access to employment programs is often limited. For individuals like Kobler, tailored job placements offer newfound confidence, skill-building opportunities, and a glimpse of a future once deemed unattainable.
As Kobler continues her daily tasks at Avail CPA, she embodies the potential that programs like SACLA’s can unlock: capability, stability, and the ability to envision a brighter future.