He’s been there.
In 2003, Brown’s dominant arm was crushed in a workplace accident. He was without a steady job for five years after the accident, which made it difficult for him to find work in physically demanding trades.
Brown, who has struggled with dyslexia throughout his life, turned to the Hants County Community Access Network for help in 2009. The non-profit organization dedicated to assisting persons with disabilities helped Brown obtain a Class 1 Driver’s license.
From there, he found temporary trucking jobs and tow truck work for a couple of years until he was laid off in 2011.
In 2012, Brown decided to make a change. He was approved for a Self Employment Benefits program with the help of the community access network and the (Community Business Development Corporations) CBDC.
He opened Brown’s Garage, a vehicle repair shop and towing business, in Newport Station. He hired his first employee, a young man who also lives with dyslexia, in September 2013.
“He wanted to offer an opportunity to someone to find employment and gain experience to become a journeyman mechanic and he wanted that person to also be someone who faced barriers and challenges,” said Hants County Community Access Network executive director Kim Aker, in a letter nominating Brown for the Lieutenant Governor’s Persons with Disabilities Employer Partnership Award.
Brown hired another employee, a young man with a learning disability, in the fall of 2014.
“I know how hard it is to let others see your abilities, rather than your disabilities. It is a struggle, and I see potential in him,” said Brown, in an application submitted to the provincial START Program that encourages employers to hire people looking for work experience.
One of 10 Lieutenant Governor’s Persons with Disabilities Employer Partnership Award recipients, Brown was also selected as the winner of the provincial outstanding achievement award.
“Terry is a wonderful example of paying it forward,” said Aker.
He’s been there.
In 2003, Brown’s dominant arm was crushed in a workplace accident. He was without a steady job for five years after the accident, which made it difficult for him to find work in physically demanding trades.
Brown, who has struggled with dyslexia throughout his life, turned to the Hants County Community Access Network for help in 2009. The non-profit organization dedicated to assisting persons with disabilities helped Brown obtain a Class 1 Driver’s license.
From there, he found temporary trucking jobs and tow truck work for a couple of years until he was laid off in 2011.
In 2012, Brown decided to make a change. He was approved for a Self Employment Benefits program with the help of the community access network and the (Community Business Development Corporations) CBDC.
He opened Brown’s Garage, a vehicle repair shop and towing business, in Newport Station. He hired his first employee, a young man who also lives with dyslexia, in September 2013.
“He wanted to offer an opportunity to someone to find employment and gain experience to become a journeyman mechanic and he wanted that person to also be someone who faced barriers and challenges,” said Hants County Community Access Network executive director Kim Aker, in a letter nominating Brown for the Lieutenant Governor’s Persons with Disabilities Employer Partnership Award.
Brown hired another employee, a young man with a learning disability, in the fall of 2014.
“I know how hard it is to let others see your abilities, rather than your disabilities. It is a struggle, and I see potential in him,” said Brown, in an application submitted to the provincial START Program that encourages employers to hire people looking for work experience.
One of 10 Lieutenant Governor’s Persons with Disabilities Employer Partnership Award recipients, Brown was also selected as the winner of the provincial outstanding achievement award.
“Terry is a wonderful example of paying it forward,” said Aker.
