12 October 2016Ottawa employers recognized for inclusive hiring of people with disAbilities_ (press release) _ ** OTTAWA, October 12, 2016 **– Y’s Owl Maclure Co-operative Centre is hosting a breakfast in recognition of Ottawa employers’ inclusive hiring practices, on Thursday, October 13 at Villa Marconi in Ottawa. The event will be hosted by CBC News Ottawa host, Adrian Harewood, with greetings from Deputy Mayor Mark Taylor, and a keynote speech by Sheila Whyte, owner of Thyme & Again, on the important benefits of hiring employees with disAbilities. Certificates of recognition will be awarded to businesses based on their years of support, which range from 1 year to over 15 years. “Y’s Owl Maclure is proud and appreciative of both the new and ongoing relationships we have with business owners in Ottawa,” says Hugh Nelson, Executive Director. “We are very happy to recognize and thank these businesses for their continuing support of our members through the provision of employment opportunities.” “The benefits of inclusive hiring far outweigh any perceived challenges,” says Sheila Whyte, owner of Thyme & Again. “There are many misconceptions about employing people with disAbilities. I’m proud to be an inclusive employer helping to break down barriers to employment for people with disAbilities in Ottawa. I encourage all Ottawa business owners to follow the example of employers being recognized today.” “The impact that we have as a community on the individuals with disAbilities is not to be understated,” remarks Y’s Owl Maclure Co-operative Board Chair Cameron Weber, a young man with Asperger’s Syndrome who came to Y’s Owl Maclure’s ASD Employment program four years ago seeking employment and is now finishing his third year in Economics at Carleton University. He also states “We are looking at people who really just want to shine, and we are there for them to open that door, and create that opportunity within a business that tells them that they matter.” ** Y’s Owl Maclure Employer Appreciation Breakfast **Villa Marconi, Marconi Centre, 1026 Baseline Rd. Thursday, October 13, 2016 8:30 am – 10:00 am ** Some of the Employers who will be in attendance include: **Bulk Barn, Home Depot, Canada Maintenance, Casey’s, Sobey’s stores at the Elgin St. and Greenbank Rd. locations, Centre 507, Nortec, Dovercourt, The Comic Book Shoppe, Tim Hortons, Thyme and Again, Peter D. Clark, Myers, Montana’s, Funhaven, CKCU radio station at Carleton University, Bridlewood Trails Retirement Community Centre, Farmboy, Symphony Senior Living Palisades, Life of Pie, CHUO radio station at Ottawa University, Red Cross, Starbucks, Critter Jungle, Swiss Pasteries, YMCA-Carlingwood, Winners-Downtown, Rideau Rockcliffe Food Cupboard and United Way. ** About Y’s Owl Maclure Co-operative Centre **Y’s Owl Maclure Co-operative Centre is a non-profit agency providing day supports and services to adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities living in the Ottawa community. [ http://ysowlmaclure.org ](http://ysowlmaclure.org/)