Sarnia-Lambton businesses are encouraged to illuminate their buildings in blue and purple on Thursday night.
It’s part of a national movement called “Light It Up!” in recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM).
Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley said there are a lot of benefits to adding an employee with disabilities to a workplace.
"Especially in an economy where hiring and keeping people is very difficult," said Bradley. "There's less absenteeism, there's complete dedication to the employer, and there's a benefit back to the employer. It's not a question of charity, it's the right thing to do and it's the smart thing to do. Often, employers don't think about turning to those people that have disabilities. They're often very well educated, and very willing to work."
Bradley said it's not just a symbolic gesture, but action needs to be taken in terms of hiring.
"The mayor's challenge, which started out of Sarnia through Community Living and myself, was based on that. It wasn't just lighting up buildings or proclamations or flag-raisings, it was concrete results that we could measure to see how many people brought in people with disabilities. There's a whole hidden workforce out there."
He said the City of Sarnia has had previous success in hiring those with disabilities. The city won a national Human Resources award in 2013 for its work with Community Living in filling summer jobs.
A total of 334 locations across 107 Canadian communities will be lighting up blue and purple. That includes several national landmarks, like the CN Tower, Niagara Falls, Calgary Tower and BC Place will all be participating.
