The provincial government is expanding a program that encourages its managers to hire people with intellectual disabilities.

The job program was the first of its kind when it was implemented 10 years ago in the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure and the Ministry of Social Services. Under the initiative, people with cognitive disabilities were hired to wash laundry or clean equipment and buildings.

'I loved it. It was a challenge I took on, and I don't regret it ... It made me feel great, boosted my esteem.' — Clint Bayda, 19

The government announced on Monday that it will be expanding the program to all of its ministries.

Clint Bayda, one of the current employees, was hired to work in a highways department machine shop in Saskatoon, washing trucks, changing oil and cleaning.

"I loved it. It was a challenge I took on, and I don't regret it," the 19-year-old said. "It made me feel great, boosted my esteem."

Bayda now works in northern Saskatchewan, delivering vehicle parts to places such as Beauval and La Loche.

Expanding the program will give more people opportunities to become productive employees and gain independence, he said.

Dominic Mancuso, the manager of laundry services at the Valley View Centre in Moose Jaw, a long-term care home, said the positive attitude the disabled employees bring to the home rubs off on other employees.

"When we brought them on board, we found that they quickly were able to do any number of tasks, and they take to it with a lot of enthusiasm," he said. "The greatest value is that they bring out the best in people that work there as well."

Currently, 19 people with intellectual disabilities work for the government under the program.

Mancuso said that number is expected to increase once all government ministries start recruiting.

Other provinces and countries have become interested in the initiative and are looking to introduce it as well, he noted.