July 23, 2024 • 32 mins
There are over 1.2 million employer businesses in Canada. And almost 98% of them are small businesses, which employ about 5.7 million people.
But surveys have shown that over half the small businesses in Canada have never hired someone who has a disability. They’ve never made the disability-inclusive hiring journey.
In Episode 25 — the second instalment of our occasional Making the Journey series — we talk with a small-business owner who is doing that.
Not only is Marnie Cuthbert just starting out on her disability-inclusive hiring journey, she’s doing it as a first-time small business owner. She left behind a 15-year career in health care administration to do something entirely different.
She recently opened the Crafty Corner Tea Room in Woodstock, ON. And her first two hires were people who have a disability.
In this new instalment of Making the Journey, Marnie talks about why:
- She’s so personally driven to be a disability-inclusive employer
- She believes other small business owners should make the journey
- She’s fervently encouraging all businesses in Woodstock to participate in Light It Up! For NDEAM, a national awareness lighting event that happens every October during National Disability Employment Awareness Month
SHOW NOTES
- Visit the Craft Corner Tea Room website
- Learn more about the national Light It Up! For NDEAM event that Marnie Cuthbert talks about participating in
- Visit the Ontario Corporate Training Centre website
- Episode 25 transcript (PDF)
- Research reports:
-
- Making Your Business Accessible for People with Disabilities: Guide for Small Businesses (Conference Board of Canada, 2022)
- Workplace Accommodations: Low Cost, High Impact (Job Accommodation Network/Office of Disability Employment Policy, updated May 4, 2023)
- Getting To Equal: The Disability Inclusion Advantage (Accenture, October 2018)
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Dean Askin (00:03):
You Can't Spell Inclusion Without a D, the
podcast that explores the powerof inclusion and why disability
is an important part of theworkplace diversity, equity and
inclusion conversation producedby the Ontario Disability
Employment Network with yourhosts, Jeannette Campbell and
Dean Askin.
(00:26):
Small businesses in Canada are abig thing. There are over 1.2
million employer businesses inthis country, and almost 98% of
them are small ones. And thoseemploy about 5.7 million people.
That's almost half the privatesector labor force. But here's
the thing. Surveys have shownthat over half the small
(00:49):
businesses in Canada have neverhired someone who has a
disability. ≈
Pawrnaa Perinpanayagam (00:53):
They've never made the disability
inclusive hiring journey. Sothat's where we're going on this
episode, and chat with a smallbusiness owner who is doing
that. Hi, I'm Karina parentperniagaan sitting in for
Jeanette Campbell, on thisEpisode of You Can't Spell
Inclusion Without a D.
I absolutely did. I've beenlooking forward to this for a
Dean Askin (01:09):
And hello there from me. I'm Dean Askin and this is
episode 25. And this episode, asecond installment of our
occasional Making the Journeyseries, Pawrnaa, welcome as
few weeks now.
guest co-host. Now you'reusually over on Oden's Ontario
Pawrnaa Perinpanayagam (01:21):
And now if you're a regular listener of
Corporate Training Centerproject team. And I think it
took you about two millisecondsto say absolutely. When I said
Jeannette is going to be away.So how'd you like to guest
co-host this Making the Journey episode?
(01:43):
the show, you'll remember welaunched this Making the Journey
series in October 2023 duringNational Disability Employment
Awareness Month. It was episode16. Have a listen.
Dean Askin (02:10):
That's right Pawrnaa. For that inaugural
segment of Making the Journey, Italked with Joe Hoffer, a
business leader, a partner in alaw firm, and an ODEN Business
Champion who's been adisability-inclusive employer
for over 35 years, and whoforged a path for other
businesses in SouthwesternOntario to follow.
Pawrnaa Perinpanayagam (02:14):
This Making the Journey installment
Dean Askin (02:15):
We do Pawrnaa because you know when a business
we're headed back toSouthwestern Ontario. Only this
time, we're talking with someonewho's just starting their
journey. In this series we wantto hear the stories of employers
across all stages of disabilityinclusive hiring journey.
leader or small business ownerin this case, makes that
conscious decision to becomeintentional about disability
(02:37):
inclusion. I mean, while itreally is a long term journey,
with twists and turns andchallenges, successes in lesson
learned along the way.
Unknown (02:47):
Our guest for this installment is one of those
small business statistics wementioned at the top of the
episode. Not only is Marnicovered just starting out her
disability inclusive hiringjourney. She's doing it as a
first time small business ownerperiod. She left behind a 15
year career in healthcareadministration to do something
entirely different. She recentlyopened the Cafe Corner Tea Room
(03:09):
in downtown Woodstock, Ontario.
Dean Askin (03:12):
And her first two hires were people who have a
disability. By the way, ifyou're listening from another
part of Canada or the world,Woodstock, Ontario is about two
hours southwest of Toronto downHighway 401, which happens to be
the busiest highway in NorthAmerica. Just had to get that
little bit of trivia in.
Pawrnaa Perinpanayagam (03:31):
I did hear you're a bit of a trivia
encyclopedia Dean.
Dean Askin (03:36):
More like I just got lots of trivia flotsam floating
around in my head.
Unknown (03:41):
Speaking of that, I think it was one of my
colleagues on the octc team whofloated the idea of talking with
Marnie for Making the Journeywasn't it?
Dean Askin (03:49):
It was Pawrnaa, and a good story idea was I have to
say, I remember talking withMarnie before the show, and I
think listeners are in for areally engaging conversation
over the next half hour or so Iknow she's been really excited
about talking with us about herjourney.
Pawrnaa Perinpanayagam (04:05):
Well then let's get to hearing about
my nice journey so far. MightyCuthbert, welcome to you can
spell inclusion without a dealand this installment of making
the journey and thanks so muchfor joining on the show.
Marnie Cuthbert (04:19):
Thank you for having me. I'm quite a little
bit nervous, but we'll we'llmake it work.
Unknown (04:24):
You're gonna do just fine. We've Dean had mentioned
how incredible your story was weso we can't just wait to get
into it. All right. So many,you're just getting started on
your disability inclusive hiringjourney. You've taken the
plunge. How would you describethe journey so far?
Marnie Cuthbert (04:43):
I've got a lot to learn. I'm taking the
education that's free with adisability inclusion awareness
through octc. I'm learning witha little bit of open mindedness.
I've found two excellent staffmembers to help me on my team
Journey.
Dean Askin (05:02):
Now, I want to pop in here. I mean, a lot of
businesses aren't aware of thedisability talent pool and how
to access it. I mean, take meback for a minute to that day
you were introduced to the ideaof hiring talent with a
disability. What was that? Like?I mean, what do you remember
what was about your firstreaction?
Marnie Cuthbert (05:20):
It was at one of the chamber of commerce
business events, they have afterfive, I 5pm. And I went to that,
and I was there. And I was chitchatting with different people,
and just promoting myself and mynew business. And I happened to
mention to someone that I waslooking for some staff members,
(05:40):
I needed to hire two part timepeople. And right away, they
pulled me over to introduce meto Mike get job links. And we
had a good chat. And I was like,yeah, and he said, you know,
tell me about your, what you'relooking for. And I told him what
I was looking for and what I wasdoing and my ideas about the tea
room. And he said, I have twopeople off the top of my head
right now that I'd love tointroduce you to. And I, I was
(06:04):
like, that's great. So I had noidea that being new to
Woodstock, I only moved here ayear ago. But being new to
Woodstock, I didn't know whatjob links was, like, I just
said, Yeah, great. Let's do it.It wasn't until Mike and I sat
down and had a coffee in a localcoffee shop. And we chit
(06:25):
chatted. And that's when itoccurred to me. Wait a minute,
he's representing people withdisabilities. And at that point,
I was like, Hey, this isfantastic. I had no idea. very
naive, that didn't even lookinto what job links was. Turns
out, it's it's a place inWoodstock, where people with
(06:47):
disabilities can go and havehelped to find jobs and look for
services. And just it'sfantastic place. And once I met
my, the two candidates that Ihired, it was I was convinced
that we would be a wonderfullittle team and we'd have we
would be able to support eachother. So yeah, it's good.
Pawrnaa Perinpanayagam (07:08):
Wow, that's a power of one good
conversation, right and have agood someone, it leads to
something. And now you're onthis journey, which is
incredible. Now, it's nice tohear your story, how you started
your journey, because there havebeen surveys that have shown
that over half of smallbusinesses in Canada have never
(07:28):
hired someone who has adisability. And this as a small
business owner as yourself,who's now making the journey.
What do you think about that?
Marnie Cuthbert (07:38):
I realized that a lot of people are afraid of
the word disability, and don'tactually know what it means. I
was not afraid of the worddisability having coming come
from working in a rehabilitationhospital. I had dealt with
people with disabilities all thetime, but but a lot of people
(07:59):
don't have an idea of whatdisability really means. I mean,
it's not just a physicaldisability that you can see. I
had it It never occurred to meto distinguish between physical
disability and learningdisabilities. I myself have a
lot to learn, and I am educatingmyself.
Pawrnaa Perinpanayagam (08:23):
So I love that. And I think that's
something we often see in ourconversations, too, is what does
disability really mean? Right.And now that you've been tapping
into the disability talent pool,it's a way for businesses to
find stuff that they need whenthere's a labor shortage. And a
lot of small businesses areshort staffed. There's actually
(08:44):
a survey by the CanadianFederation of Independent
Business that found in 2022,Canadian small businesses missed
out on 38 billion in revenuebecause they were understaffed
and had to turn down contracts.As a small business owner, who's
now hired people who have adisability. Are you looking at
it pragmatically like that likethat, like strictly as a labor
(09:06):
and revenue solution? So you'vegot the stuff for you that you
need for your cafe? Or do youthink that from the perspective
that disability inclusive hiringcan do a lot for your business
on so many levels?
Marnie Cuthbert (09:20):
Definitely the latter. My daughter has a
disability and I know sheherself has struggled with jobs
she had. She had a job. She wasa pharmacy technician. She
worked in a fantastic place andthen she switched positions to
somewhere else. It was a quite abig corporation that she was
(09:43):
working with. And within twoweeks, she basically said you
look, I'm just wondering ifthere's any chance that I could
just have a chair that once in awhile I could sit down and the
very next day they fired her.They said she didn't fit in
there. So I know my that's oneexample of several that she in
(10:05):
her particular life has faced.And for me, it it warms my heart
to know that I can employ peopleor two people. I mean, it's two
people, but it we may grow, thatI can hire those people and
employ them. And I really enjoychatting with these two
(10:25):
employees that I've hired andgetting to know them. During our
interviews, I know they willhave an opportunity to be
successful in my place ofbusiness. My one employee told
me in the interview, that hejust wants someone to give him a
chance to prove himself. And I'mgoing to do that I'm going to
(10:46):
give him that chance. And I'mthrilled to have him work with
me. Wow,
Dean Askin (10:50):
is it is it? You know, things like that the, from
what he said to you, and yourown daughter's experiences? Is
that what makes it so personallyimportant to you to be making
this? You're absolutely,
Marnie Cuthbert (11:03):
absolutely. I mean, I've known for quite some
time, my daughter is 29 andlives in BC, but I've known for
quite some time that she hasstruggled with some jobs. Right
now she's in a fabulous job, andthey are so good to her. And it
just, again, warms my heartthat, that she's found somewhere
(11:24):
where she fits in, and they haveno issues, helping with anything
that she needs. And it's just,it's wonderful. And I want to I
want to be the same kind ofemployer.
Dean Askin (11:39):
So you kind of bringing, like, you know, the
human level to the DEIconversation, I mean,
disabilities still so often getsleft out of the diversity,
equity and inclusion businessconversation. I mean, you know,
you got the lived experience,you know, with your daughter's
experiences. And as someonewho's not only become a
(12:04):
disability inclusive employer,but has that lived experience,
you know, when you read aboutcompanies touting their di D ei
efforts, but disabilities leftout or maybe you know, you
overhear snippets ofconversations a chamber events
in, in in Woodstock, I mean, andthere's no mention of
disability. I mean, how doesthat make you feel? What's your
(12:24):
reaction?
Marnie Cuthbert (12:28):
I haven't come across this yet. But I have made
my personal business, businessdisability inclusive in several
ways. I have a ramp at my door,I have a full universal
washroom. I have large printmenus. I am working towards
other ways to be disabilityinclusive, but I it's a slow
(12:50):
process. It's you know, startingout a new business, there's a
lot of other things that takepriority at the moment, like
buying groceries and hiring andtraining, all these things. But
in the back of my mind, thereare other ways that I know that
as time progresses, I canimplement different smaller
things to help people.Absolutely, absolutely. Wow,
Unknown (13:15):
like to think that you've already had that kind of
mindset when as you're buildingyour business. And as you're
getting ready. And we love thatbecause that kind of leads us
into my next question I actuallyhad for you is accommodation.
It's something that comes upoften, in the conversation about
disability inclusive hiring, youmentioned with your daughter,
that conversation aboutaccommodations was a bit of a
(13:38):
sticky one. And it's actually acommon myth that accommodations
cost so much. But in realityseries have shown that 56% of
employers have saidaccommodations costs, almost
nothing to them. So as a smallbusiness owner, where you
introduce the idea of hiringsomeone who has a disability.
(13:59):
When you were introduced to theidea of hiring someone who has a
disability, were you concernedabout what accommodations may be
needed to help that person besuccessful in the in their job?
Marnie Cuthbert (14:10):
Actually, I was prepared to make any
accommodation because of the wayI'm already I myself am aware of
the fact that people with adisability may require
accommodation. So I went intothe interviews fully prepared to
make any accommodations. Itturns out that an apron with
Velcro, some larger printedinstructions on the wall and a
(14:35):
chair were all that was requiredfor my employees and it didn't
cost me a cent. Wow. It's simplechanges, right? That's simple.
So simple. People really assumethat there's going to be huge
costs and you're going to needthis and you're going to need
that I'm just not going to hireyou but that's not the case. It
just ask. Just ask
(14:55):
it. Again. It starts with comingback to a conversation a
question Right.
Just ask what do you need to doyour job successfully?
Unknown (15:04):
So well that and you've already shared a few things. But
I would love to learn a littlebit more about what have you
learned along the way duringthis disability inclusive hiring
journey that maybe you weren'texpecting to?
Marnie Cuthbert (15:21):
I'm realizing that I, myself am definitely
more open minded, and I don'thave any issues with working or
hiring with anyone who has adisability who may have the
disability. I'm also taking thedisability awareness training,
and I'm learning new terms I'venever heard before. And I have a
(15:41):
long way to go. People shouldeducate themselves. And I have
learned that recently, there iseducation out there, it's free.
Yeah.
Dean Askin (15:51):
You know, sometimes one of the barriers to
disability because of hisdisability inclusive hiring is,
is attitude. And it sounds likeyes, you've wept well past that
barrier and left it well behind.
Marnie Cuthbert (16:08):
I think it has to do with me working in the
rehab center, I really do. Well,you
Dean Askin (16:12):
know, did you ever imagine that you'd be doing what
you're doing right now andmaking this journey. And maybe
in the process of setting adisability inclusion example,
for other small businesses inWoodstock down there to follow.
Marnie Cuthbert (16:28):
I have to admit, I never, it never
occurred to me to go looking forpeople who have a disability to
work in my tea room. But nowthat I am aware of the talent
pool out there, and I'm mostly,I'm definitely planning to share
my knowledge with otherbusinesses. And have, I've
already mentioned it to manypeople, many, many people, I've
(16:49):
talked to lots of people outthere in my journey towards
opening my tea room. And aboutthe people that I've hired and
where I hired them from, and Ican't wait to get started. I
tell people, I can't wait foryou to meet them. I can't wait
for them to serve you I can'twait for you know, I'm actually
putting a sign in my frontwindow that says we are an all
(17:11):
inclusive workplace. So, youknow, people will know that
there's, there's a lot ofdifferent people in this place.
I love that.
Pawrnaa Perinpanayagam (17:21):
And it's important, because I think
that's the key to makingeveryone feel welcomed in your
place in your in your place ofbusiness. And you've mentioned
how you weren't necessarilyconscious of embarking on this
journey. How do you feel whenyou talk with the Chamber of
Commerce or with other businessowners? What do you what's your
sense? Do you think there's adisability inclusion awareness
(17:44):
in the local business community?Are there a lot of businesses in
Woodstock that are intentionalabout disability inclusive
hiring? Or are you kind ofleading the way Marnie?
Marnie Cuthbert (17:56):
Well, I, I've only moved to this community
recently. I haven't had a lot ofa chance to work with other
businesses yet, but I have tosay that it was at the Chamber
of Commerce event that I went tothat I mentioned, I needed
employees, and I was introducedright away to Mike from job
links. So it seems to me thatpeople here are aware that there
(18:21):
is a place here that they can goto hire to stop to hire staff
that are needed outside of theregular employment agencies. I
am planning to attend tonight'sChamber of Commerce event where
I am ready with my little spiel.to nail down the Mayor Jerry and
our BIA Downtown DevelopmentOfficer carry about the lighted
(18:45):
up project. I'm currently theonly business owner in Hamill
sorry. I am currently the onlybusiness owner signed up to
participate to light up my shopwindows in purple and blue on
October 17. And this needs tochange. City Hall is one block
down from me and the museum andthe art gallery are both just
(19:07):
down the street from me. I'mplanning to push other
businesses to light it up aswell. It literally cost me $26
For 15 feet of lights from myfront window. That is so
minimal. It there's really noexcuse, but Woodstock was on the
map.
Pawrnaa Perinpanayagam (19:26):
Yes, more. Are you forgetting us?
Woodstock's on the map. So Ilove that and I'm sure Dean is
gonna be so excited to see allthose businesses in Woodstock
sign up, because that's a hugecampaign that we always love to
take part in. And I know it's soearly in our journey right now
(19:47):
Marnie, but from yourperspective, what has been the
best thing? Oh, what are thebest things about being a
disability inclusive business?
Marnie Cuthbert (19:56):
I we actually we opened our doors on May 26.
Next, and you haven't really hada lot of experience yet. But I
already have a wonderful rapportwith my staff. We feel like a
little family. My retired momwill be working in the shop with
(20:17):
us, here and there. She has anHR background. So I asked her to
participate in the interviews,and she loved these people that
I interviewed. And she was like,we're hiring them. So I'm like,
I already know. But yeah, it'sbeen wonderful. I'm and the four
of us are like a little family,and we support each other. So
(20:42):
like they're helping, myemployees are kind of helping us
learn. And we're sort ofteaching them other things as
well. So, you know, it's, it'sworking out really well. One of
my employees, has told hisentire group of friends, and all
of their friends, that he willbe working in my tea room, and
(21:06):
they are so excited, and theycan't wait to see him work. It's
really rewarding for me to seeso much happiness and excitement
and a person who just wants anopportunity to prove himself.
Dean Askin (21:19):
You know, you're so you're so full of passionate
about what you're doing. Andyou've kind of already answered
the question I was going to ask.I mean, you know, you're just
getting into this journey. Andyou just jumped right out and
said, I want to participate inthis national event lighted up
for ending. And I should letlisteners know lighted up for a
name is a national coordinatedlighting event. That happens the
(21:41):
third Thursday of every Octoberduring National Disability
Employment Awareness Month. Thisyear, it happens to be on
Thursday, October 17. And it'san event where bridges and
buildings and municipal signsand landmarks of all kinds
illuminate purple and blue forone night across the country.
And it's just, you know, it's anevent that sparks conversation
(22:04):
and raises awareness aboutdisability. And so are you
talking to me? You're talking upeverywhere you go and Woodstock,
are you not? Yep,
Marnie Cuthbert (22:13):
yep. Yep. There's no excuse. I am taking
the Ontario Disability Inclusivetraining. And there I learned
about the OCT 17 event. I'venever heard of it. I spent 20
years in Hamilton. I've neverheard of it. So when I moved
here, I started this journey.And so I went and checked out
(22:36):
the NDM campaign website and Ilooked at Woodstock and not a
single business here waslighting it up. And my first
reaction is we can't have that.So I signed up right away, I
figured I figured that I wouldfigure out how to light up my
shop later on, which I havesince done. Now that at least
(23:00):
Woodstock is on the list. We dohave about 47,000 people during
COVID, Woodstock grew about fiveto 7000 people. So we have about
47,000 people here now and I'vemade it my mission to educate
people. And I'm starting with myfamily my mom has has is so
(23:20):
excited. She has told me thatshe is she's gonna light up her
balcony, she's on the top floorof a building that faces the 401
in the hospital and and she saidI'm lighting up my balcony this
year. So that I started withher. And of course tonight I'm
speaking with the mayor and thebusiness, the BIA officer about
(23:41):
it. And hopefully we'll, youknow, get things going and get
other businesses involved, atleast in the downtown area
where, you know, City Hall andthe museum and the wood and the
art, the Woodstock art galleryin every of those big places. I
attend a lot of networkingevents, so I plan to do a lot of
chatting. Well,
Dean Askin (24:01):
you know, as I full disclosure, I mean, I happened
to be the national campaigncoordinator of Light It Up! For
NDEAM and that passion and thatdedication and that gung ho and
saying I'm gonna get as manypeople involved in this. I mean,
that's music to my ears. And Ithink it's you know, it just
helps raise the level ofexcitement so hopefully we will
(24:22):
see a lot of places like purpleand blue and Woodstock on
October on October 17. I mean,you know, you've kind of touched
on it but you know, why is it soimportant for you to just jump
right in like that andparticipate in Light It Up! for
NDEAM?
Marnie Cuthbert (24:39):
I think I'm the kind of person where when I
learned something I wanteveryone to know. I don't know
why but I I learned that theplace I chose to live recently
what stock hasn't yetparticipated in something this
big, and I want to share it Iwant everyone and I want to give
(24:59):
everyone else the opportunity tolearn about it and get excited
about it, and participate in it.And it's not just Ontario, it's
all across Canada. And ourlittle city should be involved.
Really, there's no excuse notto. It's so inexpensive. And I
Dean Askin (25:15):
guess for listeners, we should just mention here, you
know, of the participation inLight It Up! For NDEAM if you're
listening to this, and you won'tfind out more and how to
participate, especially downthere in Woodstock, Ontario. You
can go to the ODEN website andodenetwork.com/initiatives. And
there's an entire webpage aboutLight It Up! For NDEAM and where
(25:38):
you can find out what it's allabout. And there's even a link
to how to use a submission form.And let us know that you're
Pawrnaa Perinpanayagam (25:43):
And, you know, Marnie, when I hear you
eliminating your businessorganization this year for which
happens to be the fifthanniversary of Light It Up! For NDEAM.
Marnie Cuthbert (25:53):
I'd like everyone to know that there are
speak so passionately aboutLight It Up! For NDEAM and how
so many people out there who arehardworking, and just want one
you've embarked on this journey,and it reminds me of the quote,
a rising tide lifts all boats,it's kind of what you're doing.
As you're learning, you'respreading the knowledge and
bringing everyone along andhoping to rise raise Woodstock
(26:16):
to be that disability inclusive,and workplace environment city.
And now, I want you to imagineif a small business owner who
may be listening to thisepisode, that may have never
thought about hiring someone whohas a disability, what's one
thing or a key takeaway that youwould want them to know?
(26:46):
employer to give them a chanceto prove themselves. And those
are the actual words from my newemployee.
Pawrnaa Perinpanayagam (26:54):
Short and sweet Ed summed up exactly
what we needed. And now many,we've talked about how you
started and the next steps inyour business and how you
continued to go. So what reallyis the next step for you on this
disability inclusive hiringjourney that you're on? And what
are you looking forward to?
Marnie Cuthbert (27:17):
I am looking forward to opening my tea room
and having my staff serve thecommunity. But more importantly,
I am really looking forward tothe community, seeing what
excellent hardworking people whohave a disability can do nothing
can stop them. They're going tobe amazing.
Pawrnaa Perinpanayagam (27:36):
We cannot just wait to see. hear
the stories of your opening andthe many, many cuz like, I
cannot just wait to hear about.Well, well,
Dean Askin (27:49):
you've been you've been great. I mean, I know you
were young when you know, whenwe were starting, you were
saying you know, I'm feeling outof my element here. But you've
been great. So many, you know,important points you've you've
brought out in me. And we'vetalked about a lot. So just
before we wrap things up, Imean, have we covered all the
essential things do you think? Imean? Is there anything we
haven't talked about that youthink is important to mention?
(28:11):
Before we go?
Marnie Cuthbert (28:13):
Yes, I believe that the fact that there is free
disability training atdisability inclusive training
out there for any business, andthey can offer it to their
staff. They can contact theOntario Corporate Training
Center that which I did, andspeak with a disability
awareness trainer and theirwebsite is Ontario training
(28:34):
center.com Easy peasy.
Pawrnaa Perinpanayagam (28:37):
Marnie. You made my job easy. I was
about to go and explain it all,but you didn't forget. So I
appreciate I
Marnie Cuthbert (28:45):
think it's important. I think it's
important people know that thereis free training out there. It's
in its short, little 2030 minutemodules and you can you can take
them one now one later, you takeit all at once, whatever works
for you. And it's very it's veryeducating. You think you know
(29:08):
something, but there's more tolearn.
And I think that's what everyjourney is all about. Right? The
continuous learning
is continuously learning while
Pawrnaa Perinpanayagam (29:17):
learning. I don't know if you're still
feeling out of your comfort zonelike you were right before we
hopped on to this show. But thishas been an absolutely great
conversation. I can't thank youenough and for coming on and
sharing the start of yourdisability inclusive hiring
journey.
Marnie Cuthbert (29:35):
Thank you for having me.
Dean Askin (29:37):
Pawrnaa. I remember in my initial conversation with
Marnie, while we were talking onthe phone a while back, I told
her to think of this as just aconversation between me You and
her with the rest of the worldlistening in. I mean, that's how
I once heard or Morning ShowHost put it to someone about
what it's like being interviewedon radio and hey, this is just
(29:58):
like radio, Marnie. Thanks forme as well for coming on and
sharing your story and insightsfor this installment of our
making the journey series, youbrought up some really important
points. And hopefully, there areother small business owners
listening to this right now whowill be inspired and motivated
by your making the journey tostart it themselves.
Pawrnaa Perinpanayagam (30:17):
Because once again, as we mentioned at
the top of the episode, overhalf the small businesses in
Canada have never hired someonewho has a disability. And
hopefully that will change inthe small business sector,
especially when there are almost645,000 Canadians who have a
disability who can and want towork. Well, that wraps up this
(30:38):
second installment of our makingthe journey series and this
episode of You can't spellinclusion without a D. I'm
trying to pimp Anagha and Dean,I had an absolutely great time
posting this episode with you. Idefinitely want to do this
again. Well,
Dean Askin (30:54):
I'm glad to hear that Pawrnaa. It's been great
having you at the other mic.Thanks again for sitting in for
Jeannette, who by the way, willbe back for the next episode.
We'll talk with a person who'sout to change the world and the
narrative around disabilityrepresentation and advertising
and marketing campaigns acrossNorth America. That's episode
(31:16):
26. Coming next month on August15. I'm Dean askin Thanks again
for listening, wherever,whenever and on whatever podcast
app you're listening from. Joinus each episode as we have
insightful conversations likethis one with Marnie Cuthbert
and explore disability inclusionin business and in our
communities from all the angles.You Can't Spell Inclusion
(31:39):
Without a D is produced inToronto, Canada by the Ontario
Disability Employment Network.All rights reserved. Our podcast
production team, executiveproducer and host Jeannette
Campbell, producer Sue DafoeAssociate Producer and host Dean
Askin audio editing andproduction by Dean Askin. Our
podcast team is last summer byIkksen. If you have feedback or
(32:01):
comments about an episode,contact us at info at
odenetwork.com. That'sinfo@odnetwork.com. Join us each
episode for insights from expertguests as we explore the power
of inclusion, the businessbenefits of inclusive hiring and
why disability is an importantpart of the Diversity Equity and
Inclusion conversation. Listento You Can't Spell Inclusion
(32:23):
Without a D on Podbean orwherever you find your favourite
podcasts.
You Can't Spell Inclusion Without a D, the
podcast that explores the powerof inclusion and why disability
is an important part of theworkplace diversity, equity and
inclusion conversation producedby the Ontario Disability
Employment Network with yourhosts, Jeannette Campbell and
Dean Askin.
(00:26):
Small businesses in Canada are abig thing. There are over 1.2
million employer businesses inthis country, and almost 98% of
them are small ones. And thoseemploy about 5.7 million people.
That's almost half the privatesector labor force. But here's
the thing. Surveys have shownthat over half the small
(00:49):
businesses in Canada have neverhired someone who has a
disability. ≈
Pawrnaa Perinpanayagam (00:53):
They've never made the disability
inclusive hiring journey. Sothat's where we're going on this
episode, and chat with a smallbusiness owner who is doing
that. Hi, I'm Karina parentperniagaan sitting in for
Jeanette Campbell, on thisEpisode of You Can't Spell
Inclusion Without a D.
I absolutely did. I've beenlooking forward to this for a
Dean Askin (01:09):
And hello there from me. I'm Dean Askin and this is
episode 25. And this episode, asecond installment of our
occasional Making the Journeyseries, Pawrnaa, welcome as
few weeks now.
guest co-host. Now you'reusually over on Oden's Ontario
Pawrnaa Perinpanayagam (01:21):
And now if you're a regular listener of
Corporate Training Centerproject team. And I think it
took you about two millisecondsto say absolutely. When I said
Jeannette is going to be away.So how'd you like to guest
co-host this Making the Journey episode?
(01:43):
the show, you'll remember welaunched this Making the Journey
series in October 2023 duringNational Disability Employment
Awareness Month. It was episode16. Have a listen.
Dean Askin (02:10):
That's right Pawrnaa. For that inaugural
segment of Making the Journey, Italked with Joe Hoffer, a
business leader, a partner in alaw firm, and an ODEN Business
Champion who's been adisability-inclusive employer
for over 35 years, and whoforged a path for other
businesses in SouthwesternOntario to follow.
Pawrnaa Perinpanayagam (02:14):
This Making the Journey installment
Dean Askin (02:15):
We do Pawrnaa because you know when a business
we're headed back toSouthwestern Ontario. Only this
time, we're talking with someonewho's just starting their
journey. In this series we wantto hear the stories of employers
across all stages of disabilityinclusive hiring journey.
leader or small business ownerin this case, makes that
conscious decision to becomeintentional about disability
(02:37):
inclusion. I mean, while itreally is a long term journey,
with twists and turns andchallenges, successes in lesson
learned along the way.
Unknown (02:47):
Our guest for this installment is one of those
small business statistics wementioned at the top of the
episode. Not only is Marnicovered just starting out her
disability inclusive hiringjourney. She's doing it as a
first time small business ownerperiod. She left behind a 15
year career in healthcareadministration to do something
entirely different. She recentlyopened the Cafe Corner Tea Room
(03:09):
in downtown Woodstock, Ontario.
Dean Askin (03:12):
And her first two hires were people who have a
disability. By the way, ifyou're listening from another
part of Canada or the world,Woodstock, Ontario is about two
hours southwest of Toronto downHighway 401, which happens to be
the busiest highway in NorthAmerica. Just had to get that
little bit of trivia in.
Pawrnaa Perinpanayagam (03:31):
I did hear you're a bit of a trivia
encyclopedia Dean.
Dean Askin (03:36):
More like I just got lots of trivia flotsam floating
around in my head.
Unknown (03:41):
Speaking of that, I think it was one of my
colleagues on the octc team whofloated the idea of talking with
Marnie for Making the Journeywasn't it?
Dean Askin (03:49):
It was Pawrnaa, and a good story idea was I have to
say, I remember talking withMarnie before the show, and I
think listeners are in for areally engaging conversation
over the next half hour or so Iknow she's been really excited
about talking with us about herjourney.
Pawrnaa Perinpanayagam (04:05):
Well then let's get to hearing about
my nice journey so far. MightyCuthbert, welcome to you can
spell inclusion without a dealand this installment of making
the journey and thanks so muchfor joining on the show.
Marnie Cuthbert (04:19):
Thank you for having me. I'm quite a little
bit nervous, but we'll we'llmake it work.
Unknown (04:24):
You're gonna do just fine. We've Dean had mentioned
how incredible your story was weso we can't just wait to get
into it. All right. So many,you're just getting started on
your disability inclusive hiringjourney. You've taken the
plunge. How would you describethe journey so far?
Marnie Cuthbert (04:43):
I've got a lot to learn. I'm taking the
education that's free with adisability inclusion awareness
through octc. I'm learning witha little bit of open mindedness.
I've found two excellent staffmembers to help me on my team
Journey.
Dean Askin (05:02):
Now, I want to pop in here. I mean, a lot of
businesses aren't aware of thedisability talent pool and how
to access it. I mean, take meback for a minute to that day
you were introduced to the ideaof hiring talent with a
disability. What was that? Like?I mean, what do you remember
what was about your firstreaction?
Marnie Cuthbert (05:20):
It was at one of the chamber of commerce
business events, they have afterfive, I 5pm. And I went to that,
and I was there. And I was chitchatting with different people,
and just promoting myself and mynew business. And I happened to
mention to someone that I waslooking for some staff members,
(05:40):
I needed to hire two part timepeople. And right away, they
pulled me over to introduce meto Mike get job links. And we
had a good chat. And I was like,yeah, and he said, you know,
tell me about your, what you'relooking for. And I told him what
I was looking for and what I wasdoing and my ideas about the tea
room. And he said, I have twopeople off the top of my head
right now that I'd love tointroduce you to. And I, I was
(06:04):
like, that's great. So I had noidea that being new to
Woodstock, I only moved here ayear ago. But being new to
Woodstock, I didn't know whatjob links was, like, I just
said, Yeah, great. Let's do it.It wasn't until Mike and I sat
down and had a coffee in a localcoffee shop. And we chit
(06:25):
chatted. And that's when itoccurred to me. Wait a minute,
he's representing people withdisabilities. And at that point,
I was like, Hey, this isfantastic. I had no idea. very
naive, that didn't even lookinto what job links was. Turns
out, it's it's a place inWoodstock, where people with
(06:47):
disabilities can go and havehelped to find jobs and look for
services. And just it'sfantastic place. And once I met
my, the two candidates that Ihired, it was I was convinced
that we would be a wonderfullittle team and we'd have we
would be able to support eachother. So yeah, it's good.
Pawrnaa Perinpanayagam (07:08):
Wow, that's a power of one good
conversation, right and have agood someone, it leads to
something. And now you're onthis journey, which is
incredible. Now, it's nice tohear your story, how you started
your journey, because there havebeen surveys that have shown
that over half of smallbusinesses in Canada have never
(07:28):
hired someone who has adisability. And this as a small
business owner as yourself,who's now making the journey.
What do you think about that?
Marnie Cuthbert (07:38):
I realized that a lot of people are afraid of
the word disability, and don'tactually know what it means. I
was not afraid of the worddisability having coming come
from working in a rehabilitationhospital. I had dealt with
people with disabilities all thetime, but but a lot of people
(07:59):
don't have an idea of whatdisability really means. I mean,
it's not just a physicaldisability that you can see. I
had it It never occurred to meto distinguish between physical
disability and learningdisabilities. I myself have a
lot to learn, and I am educatingmyself.
Pawrnaa Perinpanayagam (08:23):
So I love that. And I think that's
something we often see in ourconversations, too, is what does
disability really mean? Right.And now that you've been tapping
into the disability talent pool,it's a way for businesses to
find stuff that they need whenthere's a labor shortage. And a
lot of small businesses areshort staffed. There's actually
(08:44):
a survey by the CanadianFederation of Independent
Business that found in 2022,Canadian small businesses missed
out on 38 billion in revenuebecause they were understaffed
and had to turn down contracts.As a small business owner, who's
now hired people who have adisability. Are you looking at
it pragmatically like that likethat, like strictly as a labor
(09:06):
and revenue solution? So you'vegot the stuff for you that you
need for your cafe? Or do youthink that from the perspective
that disability inclusive hiringcan do a lot for your business
on so many levels?
Marnie Cuthbert (09:20):
Definitely the latter. My daughter has a
disability and I know sheherself has struggled with jobs
she had. She had a job. She wasa pharmacy technician. She
worked in a fantastic place andthen she switched positions to
somewhere else. It was a quite abig corporation that she was
(09:43):
working with. And within twoweeks, she basically said you
look, I'm just wondering ifthere's any chance that I could
just have a chair that once in awhile I could sit down and the
very next day they fired her.They said she didn't fit in
there. So I know my that's oneexample of several that she in
(10:05):
her particular life has faced.And for me, it it warms my heart
to know that I can employ peopleor two people. I mean, it's two
people, but it we may grow, thatI can hire those people and
employ them. And I really enjoychatting with these two
(10:25):
employees that I've hired andgetting to know them. During our
interviews, I know they willhave an opportunity to be
successful in my place ofbusiness. My one employee told
me in the interview, that hejust wants someone to give him a
chance to prove himself. And I'mgoing to do that I'm going to
(10:46):
give him that chance. And I'mthrilled to have him work with
me. Wow,
Dean Askin (10:50):
is it is it? You know, things like that the, from
what he said to you, and yourown daughter's experiences? Is
that what makes it so personallyimportant to you to be making
this? You're absolutely,
Marnie Cuthbert (11:03):
absolutely. I mean, I've known for quite some
time, my daughter is 29 andlives in BC, but I've known for
quite some time that she hasstruggled with some jobs. Right
now she's in a fabulous job, andthey are so good to her. And it
just, again, warms my heartthat, that she's found somewhere
(11:24):
where she fits in, and they haveno issues, helping with anything
that she needs. And it's just,it's wonderful. And I want to I
want to be the same kind ofemployer.
Dean Askin (11:39):
So you kind of bringing, like, you know, the
human level to the DEIconversation, I mean,
disabilities still so often getsleft out of the diversity,
equity and inclusion businessconversation. I mean, you know,
you got the lived experience,you know, with your daughter's
experiences. And as someonewho's not only become a
(12:04):
disability inclusive employer,but has that lived experience,
you know, when you read aboutcompanies touting their di D ei
efforts, but disabilities leftout or maybe you know, you
overhear snippets ofconversations a chamber events
in, in in Woodstock, I mean, andthere's no mention of
disability. I mean, how doesthat make you feel? What's your
(12:24):
reaction?
Marnie Cuthbert (12:28):
I haven't come across this yet. But I have made
my personal business, businessdisability inclusive in several
ways. I have a ramp at my door,I have a full universal
washroom. I have large printmenus. I am working towards
other ways to be disabilityinclusive, but I it's a slow
(12:50):
process. It's you know, startingout a new business, there's a
lot of other things that takepriority at the moment, like
buying groceries and hiring andtraining, all these things. But
in the back of my mind, thereare other ways that I know that
as time progresses, I canimplement different smaller
things to help people.Absolutely, absolutely. Wow,
Unknown (13:15):
like to think that you've already had that kind of
mindset when as you're buildingyour business. And as you're
getting ready. And we love thatbecause that kind of leads us
into my next question I actuallyhad for you is accommodation.
It's something that comes upoften, in the conversation about
disability inclusive hiring, youmentioned with your daughter,
that conversation aboutaccommodations was a bit of a
(13:38):
sticky one. And it's actually acommon myth that accommodations
cost so much. But in realityseries have shown that 56% of
employers have saidaccommodations costs, almost
nothing to them. So as a smallbusiness owner, where you
introduce the idea of hiringsomeone who has a disability.
(13:59):
When you were introduced to theidea of hiring someone who has a
disability, were you concernedabout what accommodations may be
needed to help that person besuccessful in the in their job?
Marnie Cuthbert (14:10):
Actually, I was prepared to make any
accommodation because of the wayI'm already I myself am aware of
the fact that people with adisability may require
accommodation. So I went intothe interviews fully prepared to
make any accommodations. Itturns out that an apron with
Velcro, some larger printedinstructions on the wall and a
(14:35):
chair were all that was requiredfor my employees and it didn't
cost me a cent. Wow. It's simplechanges, right? That's simple.
So simple. People really assumethat there's going to be huge
costs and you're going to needthis and you're going to need
that I'm just not going to hireyou but that's not the case. It
just ask. Just ask
(14:55):
it. Again. It starts with comingback to a conversation a
question Right.
Just ask what do you need to doyour job successfully?
Unknown (15:04):
So well that and you've already shared a few things. But
I would love to learn a littlebit more about what have you
learned along the way duringthis disability inclusive hiring
journey that maybe you weren'texpecting to?
Marnie Cuthbert (15:21):
I'm realizing that I, myself am definitely
more open minded, and I don'thave any issues with working or
hiring with anyone who has adisability who may have the
disability. I'm also taking thedisability awareness training,
and I'm learning new terms I'venever heard before. And I have a
(15:41):
long way to go. People shouldeducate themselves. And I have
learned that recently, there iseducation out there, it's free.
Yeah.
Dean Askin (15:51):
You know, sometimes one of the barriers to
disability because of hisdisability inclusive hiring is,
is attitude. And it sounds likeyes, you've wept well past that
barrier and left it well behind.
Marnie Cuthbert (16:08):
I think it has to do with me working in the
rehab center, I really do. Well,you
Dean Askin (16:12):
know, did you ever imagine that you'd be doing what
you're doing right now andmaking this journey. And maybe
in the process of setting adisability inclusion example,
for other small businesses inWoodstock down there to follow.
Marnie Cuthbert (16:28):
I have to admit, I never, it never
occurred to me to go looking forpeople who have a disability to
work in my tea room. But nowthat I am aware of the talent
pool out there, and I'm mostly,I'm definitely planning to share
my knowledge with otherbusinesses. And have, I've
already mentioned it to manypeople, many, many people, I've
(16:49):
talked to lots of people outthere in my journey towards
opening my tea room. And aboutthe people that I've hired and
where I hired them from, and Ican't wait to get started. I
tell people, I can't wait foryou to meet them. I can't wait
for them to serve you I can'twait for you know, I'm actually
putting a sign in my frontwindow that says we are an all
(17:11):
inclusive workplace. So, youknow, people will know that
there's, there's a lot ofdifferent people in this place.
I love that.
Pawrnaa Perinpanayagam (17:21):
And it's important, because I think
that's the key to makingeveryone feel welcomed in your
place in your in your place ofbusiness. And you've mentioned
how you weren't necessarilyconscious of embarking on this
journey. How do you feel whenyou talk with the Chamber of
Commerce or with other businessowners? What do you what's your
sense? Do you think there's adisability inclusion awareness
(17:44):
in the local business community?Are there a lot of businesses in
Woodstock that are intentionalabout disability inclusive
hiring? Or are you kind ofleading the way Marnie?
Marnie Cuthbert (17:56):
Well, I, I've only moved to this community
recently. I haven't had a lot ofa chance to work with other
businesses yet, but I have tosay that it was at the Chamber
of Commerce event that I went tothat I mentioned, I needed
employees, and I was introducedright away to Mike from job
links. So it seems to me thatpeople here are aware that there
(18:21):
is a place here that they can goto hire to stop to hire staff
that are needed outside of theregular employment agencies. I
am planning to attend tonight'sChamber of Commerce event where
I am ready with my little spiel.to nail down the Mayor Jerry and
our BIA Downtown DevelopmentOfficer carry about the lighted
(18:45):
up project. I'm currently theonly business owner in Hamill
sorry. I am currently the onlybusiness owner signed up to
participate to light up my shopwindows in purple and blue on
October 17. And this needs tochange. City Hall is one block
down from me and the museum andthe art gallery are both just
(19:07):
down the street from me. I'mplanning to push other
businesses to light it up aswell. It literally cost me $26
For 15 feet of lights from myfront window. That is so
minimal. It there's really noexcuse, but Woodstock was on the
map.
Pawrnaa Perinpanayagam (19:26):
Yes, more. Are you forgetting us?
Woodstock's on the map. So Ilove that and I'm sure Dean is
gonna be so excited to see allthose businesses in Woodstock
sign up, because that's a hugecampaign that we always love to
take part in. And I know it's soearly in our journey right now
(19:47):
Marnie, but from yourperspective, what has been the
best thing? Oh, what are thebest things about being a
disability inclusive business?
Marnie Cuthbert (19:56):
I we actually we opened our doors on May 26.
Next, and you haven't really hada lot of experience yet. But I
already have a wonderful rapportwith my staff. We feel like a
little family. My retired momwill be working in the shop with
(20:17):
us, here and there. She has anHR background. So I asked her to
participate in the interviews,and she loved these people that
I interviewed. And she was like,we're hiring them. So I'm like,
I already know. But yeah, it'sbeen wonderful. I'm and the four
of us are like a little family,and we support each other. So
(20:42):
like they're helping, myemployees are kind of helping us
learn. And we're sort ofteaching them other things as
well. So, you know, it's, it'sworking out really well. One of
my employees, has told hisentire group of friends, and all
of their friends, that he willbe working in my tea room, and
(21:06):
they are so excited, and theycan't wait to see him work. It's
really rewarding for me to seeso much happiness and excitement
and a person who just wants anopportunity to prove himself.
Dean Askin (21:19):
You know, you're so you're so full of passionate
about what you're doing. Andyou've kind of already answered
the question I was going to ask.I mean, you know, you're just
getting into this journey. Andyou just jumped right out and
said, I want to participate inthis national event lighted up
for ending. And I should letlisteners know lighted up for a
name is a national coordinatedlighting event. That happens the
(21:41):
third Thursday of every Octoberduring National Disability
Employment Awareness Month. Thisyear, it happens to be on
Thursday, October 17. And it'san event where bridges and
buildings and municipal signsand landmarks of all kinds
illuminate purple and blue forone night across the country.
And it's just, you know, it's anevent that sparks conversation
(22:04):
and raises awareness aboutdisability. And so are you
talking to me? You're talking upeverywhere you go and Woodstock,
are you not? Yep,
Marnie Cuthbert (22:13):
yep. Yep. There's no excuse. I am taking
the Ontario Disability Inclusivetraining. And there I learned
about the OCT 17 event. I'venever heard of it. I spent 20
years in Hamilton. I've neverheard of it. So when I moved
here, I started this journey.And so I went and checked out
(22:36):
the NDM campaign website and Ilooked at Woodstock and not a
single business here waslighting it up. And my first
reaction is we can't have that.So I signed up right away, I
figured I figured that I wouldfigure out how to light up my
shop later on, which I havesince done. Now that at least
(23:00):
Woodstock is on the list. We dohave about 47,000 people during
COVID, Woodstock grew about fiveto 7000 people. So we have about
47,000 people here now and I'vemade it my mission to educate
people. And I'm starting with myfamily my mom has has is so
(23:20):
excited. She has told me thatshe is she's gonna light up her
balcony, she's on the top floorof a building that faces the 401
in the hospital and and she saidI'm lighting up my balcony this
year. So that I started withher. And of course tonight I'm
speaking with the mayor and thebusiness, the BIA officer about
(23:41):
it. And hopefully we'll, youknow, get things going and get
other businesses involved, atleast in the downtown area
where, you know, City Hall andthe museum and the wood and the
art, the Woodstock art galleryin every of those big places. I
attend a lot of networkingevents, so I plan to do a lot of
chatting. Well,
Dean Askin (24:01):
you know, as I full disclosure, I mean, I happened
to be the national campaigncoordinator of Light It Up! For
NDEAM and that passion and thatdedication and that gung ho and
saying I'm gonna get as manypeople involved in this. I mean,
that's music to my ears. And Ithink it's you know, it just
helps raise the level ofexcitement so hopefully we will
(24:22):
see a lot of places like purpleand blue and Woodstock on
October on October 17. I mean,you know, you've kind of touched
on it but you know, why is it soimportant for you to just jump
right in like that andparticipate in Light It Up! for
NDEAM?
Marnie Cuthbert (24:39):
I think I'm the kind of person where when I
learned something I wanteveryone to know. I don't know
why but I I learned that theplace I chose to live recently
what stock hasn't yetparticipated in something this
big, and I want to share it Iwant everyone and I want to give
(24:59):
everyone else the opportunity tolearn about it and get excited
about it, and participate in it.And it's not just Ontario, it's
all across Canada. And ourlittle city should be involved.
Really, there's no excuse notto. It's so inexpensive. And I
Dean Askin (25:15):
guess for listeners, we should just mention here, you
know, of the participation inLight It Up! For NDEAM if you're
listening to this, and you won'tfind out more and how to
participate, especially downthere in Woodstock, Ontario. You
can go to the ODEN website andodenetwork.com/initiatives. And
there's an entire webpage aboutLight It Up! For NDEAM and where
(25:38):
you can find out what it's allabout. And there's even a link
to how to use a submission form.And let us know that you're
Pawrnaa Perinpanayagam (25:43):
And, you know, Marnie, when I hear you
eliminating your businessorganization this year for which
happens to be the fifthanniversary of Light It Up! For NDEAM.
Marnie Cuthbert (25:53):
I'd like everyone to know that there are
speak so passionately aboutLight It Up! For NDEAM and how
so many people out there who arehardworking, and just want one
you've embarked on this journey,and it reminds me of the quote,
a rising tide lifts all boats,it's kind of what you're doing.
As you're learning, you'respreading the knowledge and
bringing everyone along andhoping to rise raise Woodstock
(26:16):
to be that disability inclusive,and workplace environment city.
And now, I want you to imagineif a small business owner who
may be listening to thisepisode, that may have never
thought about hiring someone whohas a disability, what's one
thing or a key takeaway that youwould want them to know?
(26:46):
employer to give them a chanceto prove themselves. And those
are the actual words from my newemployee.
Pawrnaa Perinpanayagam (26:54):
Short and sweet Ed summed up exactly
what we needed. And now many,we've talked about how you
started and the next steps inyour business and how you
continued to go. So what reallyis the next step for you on this
disability inclusive hiringjourney that you're on? And what
are you looking forward to?
Marnie Cuthbert (27:17):
I am looking forward to opening my tea room
and having my staff serve thecommunity. But more importantly,
I am really looking forward tothe community, seeing what
excellent hardworking people whohave a disability can do nothing
can stop them. They're going tobe amazing.
Pawrnaa Perinpanayagam (27:36):
We cannot just wait to see. hear
the stories of your opening andthe many, many cuz like, I
cannot just wait to hear about.Well, well,
Dean Askin (27:49):
you've been you've been great. I mean, I know you
were young when you know, whenwe were starting, you were
saying you know, I'm feeling outof my element here. But you've
been great. So many, you know,important points you've you've
brought out in me. And we'vetalked about a lot. So just
before we wrap things up, Imean, have we covered all the
essential things do you think? Imean? Is there anything we
haven't talked about that youthink is important to mention?
(28:11):
Before we go?
Marnie Cuthbert (28:13):
Yes, I believe that the fact that there is free
disability training atdisability inclusive training
out there for any business, andthey can offer it to their
staff. They can contact theOntario Corporate Training
Center that which I did, andspeak with a disability
awareness trainer and theirwebsite is Ontario training
(28:34):
center.com Easy peasy.
Pawrnaa Perinpanayagam (28:37):
Marnie. You made my job easy. I was
about to go and explain it all,but you didn't forget. So I
appreciate I
Marnie Cuthbert (28:45):
think it's important. I think it's
important people know that thereis free training out there. It's
in its short, little 2030 minutemodules and you can you can take
them one now one later, you takeit all at once, whatever works
for you. And it's very it's veryeducating. You think you know
(29:08):
something, but there's more tolearn.
And I think that's what everyjourney is all about. Right? The
continuous learning
is continuously learning while
Pawrnaa Perinpanayagam (29:17):
learning. I don't know if you're still
feeling out of your comfort zonelike you were right before we
hopped on to this show. But thishas been an absolutely great
conversation. I can't thank youenough and for coming on and
sharing the start of yourdisability inclusive hiring
journey.
Marnie Cuthbert (29:35):
Thank you for having me.
Dean Askin (29:37):
Pawrnaa. I remember in my initial conversation with
Marnie, while we were talking onthe phone a while back, I told
her to think of this as just aconversation between me You and
her with the rest of the worldlistening in. I mean, that's how
I once heard or Morning ShowHost put it to someone about
what it's like being interviewedon radio and hey, this is just
(29:58):
like radio, Marnie. Thanks forme as well for coming on and
sharing your story and insightsfor this installment of our
making the journey series, youbrought up some really important
points. And hopefully, there areother small business owners
listening to this right now whowill be inspired and motivated
by your making the journey tostart it themselves.
Pawrnaa Perinpanayagam (30:17):
Because once again, as we mentioned at
the top of the episode, overhalf the small businesses in
Canada have never hired someonewho has a disability. And
hopefully that will change inthe small business sector,
especially when there are almost645,000 Canadians who have a
disability who can and want towork. Well, that wraps up this
(30:38):
second installment of our makingthe journey series and this
episode of You can't spellinclusion without a D. I'm
trying to pimp Anagha and Dean,I had an absolutely great time
posting this episode with you. Idefinitely want to do this
again. Well,
Dean Askin (30:54):
I'm glad to hear that Pawrnaa. It's been great
having you at the other mic.Thanks again for sitting in for
Jeannette, who by the way, willbe back for the next episode.
We'll talk with a person who'sout to change the world and the
narrative around disabilityrepresentation and advertising
and marketing campaigns acrossNorth America. That's episode
(31:16):
26. Coming next month on August15. I'm Dean askin Thanks again
for listening, wherever,whenever and on whatever podcast
app you're listening from. Joinus each episode as we have
insightful conversations likethis one with Marnie Cuthbert
and explore disability inclusionin business and in our
communities from all the angles.You Can't Spell Inclusion
(31:39):
Without a D is produced inToronto, Canada by the Ontario
Disability Employment Network.All rights reserved. Our podcast
production team, executiveproducer and host Jeannette
Campbell, producer Sue DafoeAssociate Producer and host Dean
Askin audio editing andproduction by Dean Askin. Our
podcast team is last summer byIkksen. If you have feedback or
(32:01):
comments about an episode,contact us at info at
odenetwork.com. That'sinfo@odnetwork.com. Join us each
episode for insights from expertguests as we explore the power
of inclusion, the businessbenefits of inclusive hiring and
why disability is an importantpart of the Diversity Equity and
Inclusion conversation. Listento You Can't Spell Inclusion
(32:23):
Without a D on Podbean orwherever you find your favourite
podcasts.
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