BLITS promotes initiatives that value and engage people with disabilities as customers, suppliers, employees and employers in business the arts and sport.
Objectives
The core objectives of BLITS are to :
- identify, support and promote new and innovative partnerships, projects or products that increase the participation of people with disability in the community;
- find new and innovative projects and events to showcase business opportunities in the disability sector;
- improve the perceptions business operators towards people with disability in the workforce and the community (from disability to ability)
'BLITS is an exciting initiative bringing the ACT Government and business together to create more opportunities for people with disabilities.
I urge Canberra businesses to consider the needs of people with disabilities, as both customers and employees, and to demonstrate their commitment by actively engaging in BLITS.'
Jon Stanhope
ACT Chief Minister
'Surviving and prospering in business today often requires innovative partnerships - BLITS supports these partnerships and uses them as examples to assist business operators in their quest to 'think outside the box'.'
Chris Peters
Chief Executive of the ACT & Region Chamber of Commerce
'Canberra's diverse community includes some 45,000 people who report as having a disability. This group presents a significant opportunity for the business sector.
BLITS works with owners and managers to include people with disability as part of their business operations. It's more than making a difference to people's lives - it makes sound business sense.'
John Hargreaves MLA
ACT Minister for Disability
'Many businesses suffer direct economic costs when faced with a shortage of skilled labour or a high level of staff turnover and recognise the value of attracting and retaining quality staff. I would urge all business owners to consider the benefits of employing people with disabilities in their businesses.'
Chris Faulks
CEO Canberra Business Council
'Motivated, skilled, ready and able - the qualities business needs most in its employees. As businesses large, medium and small are increasingly realising, people with disabilities demonstrate all of these qualities. Smart businesses don't see a disability, they see a business opportunity. A great employment resource and an untapped market that is 20% of the population. I commend the BLITS initiative to all employers in the ACT.'
'The club sector's primary goal is to serve all of the community. The majority of clubs in the ACT include people with disabilities in their day to day business - as members, as part of the workforce and as recipients of club support. I would encourage any Club to consider the benefits of a similar approach.'
Bob Samarcq
Chief Executive Clubs ACT
