Community Living Ontario

Unpaid placements aren’t acceptable work
Monday August 8, 2011 -- Deb Bartlett

LiveWorkPlay is adapting portions of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities into its mission, vision and values as it clarifies, “where we stand,” says co-leader Keenan Wellar.

The board and staff of the Ottawa agency that supports a good life for people who have an intellectual disability recently went over its statement, and part of what was discussed focuses on employment.

Wellar says people who have an intellectual disability deserve “paid work in a real workplace.” While there are occasions where unpaid work is acceptable, like a placement, “an internship that goes on for 40 years” is not appropriate, he says.

Exceptions to the labour code that don’t affect anyone but people who have an intellectual disability are wrong, he says. An unpaid placement that doesn’t support transition into a paying job isn’t acceptable and creates stigma, adds Wellar.

LiveWorkPlay has been working on revamping its mission, vision and values for three years, and Wellar says the new document gives the organization “real clarity.”

The document says persons who have an intellectual disability have the right to paid work and must be protected from compulsory labour or from labour conditions that are not equal to those enjoyed by the workforce at large, including minimum wage provisions.

Regarding unpaid work, the document says unpaid work is appropriate when the circumstances are not unique to persons who have an intellectual disability, such as internships, school placements and apprenticeships.

When it comes to volunteer work, LiveWorkPlay’s document outlines that volunteerism is important to healthy communities, but that it is not about working in a paid work environment with no pay through an arrangement that is exclusive to people who have an intellectual disability and/or is not inclusive of the community at large.

LiveWorkPlay has transitioned away from day programs and now supports paid employment and volunteer opportunities for its members. Social and recreational opportunities are also supported differently. LiveWorkPlay now uses more than 100 community volunteers to help its members enjoy the community. Wellar says these relationships are customized to personal interests and preferences, allowing each individual to pursue the type of life in the community they are seeking.

The document will be presented to LiveWorkPlay’s membership at the Sept. 23 annual general meeting.

If you have a comment on this story, or would like to share how your organization is dealing with employment issues, call Deb in the newsroom at 800-294-0051, or e-mail deb(at)axiomnews.ca