In recognition of Disability Awareness Month, School District 43 (Coquitlam) Learning Services held an event to recognize and thank local businesses that have hosted School District 43 work experience placements for youth with diverse abilities.
On Thursday October 17, we invited over 50 local businesses and other community organizations to join us in celebrating inclusive employment and diversity in the workplace. This gathering was an opportunity to recognize their contribution to creating a diverse workforce, celebrate student success, learn more about the district work experience program, and network with community partners.
We highlighted several student's testimonials and discovered how these experiences have helped them become more independent, learn new employment skills, and develop new relationships.
View Gr 11 Charles Best Secondary Stephanie's presentation about her work experience at Boathouse and Vancity Bank HERE.

We thank the following employers for attending:
- The Boathouse Restaurant
- Gabi and Jules
- Dairy Queen Grill & Chill Port Moody
- Vancity Credit Union Port Moody
- Vancity Credit Union North Road
- Vancity Credit Union Shaughnessy
- The North Face Coquitlam
- Shell Gas Station Pitt River Road Coquitlam
- Five Guys Burger and Fries PoCo
- POCO Building Supplies
- Canuel Caterers
- Boathouse Store Coquitlam
- Blue Notes Store Coquitlam
- Textile Innovations
- Starbucks Coffee Company Prairie
- Starbucks Coffee Company Coquitlam Centre
- Kai Shang Garden & Landscaping
- Dairy Queen Grill & Chill PoCo
- Happy Sta’s Recycling
- RONA Coquitlam (Austin)
- Staples Coquitlam
- Iparty Dollar Store Lougheed
- Sewak’s No Frills
- White Spot North Road
- White Spot PoCo
- RONA Coquitlam
- A&W Canada Coquitlam Pinetree
- A&W Canada Coquitlam Lougheed
- London Drugs Coquitlam
- Petland PoCo
- Panago Pizza PoCo