Funding provided for work placements, employability sessions
People with disabilities are getting work experience through the Government of Canada’s support for various employment projects across the country, according to Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Diane Finley.
Moncton Employment and Training Services in Moncton, N.B. will offer eight individuals living with an intellectual disability life skills and employability sessions along with work opportunities in the community through assistance from the federal Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities. Work placements will allow the individuals to gain hands-on experience leading to ongoing employment, said the government.
In British Columbia, the Neil Squire Society’s Enhanced Employ-Ability project will develop and test an improved online service delivery model, create a curriculum guide and help 660 people with disabilities develop their skills to prepare for jobs, become self-employed or return to school for further training.
The Neil Squire Society will receive $4,260,441 under the Enhanced Employment Assistance Services component of the opportunities fund.
“In today’s environment, it is more important than ever that all Canadians have the skills they need to participate and succeed in the job market,” said Minister of State for Seniors Alice Wong. “By supporting this project, our government is helping Canadians with disabilities maximize their potential and independence.”
And through the Enabling Accessibility Fund, the government has provided $432,565 for nine projects in Toronto that improve accessibility through activities such as the renovation, construction and retrofitting of buildings, the modification of vehicles for community use and enhancements to information and communication technologies, said the government.
“We are proud to partner with organizations such as the Toronto Business Development Centre and work toward the full inclusion of people with disabilities,” said Finley. “Through the Enabling Accessibility Fund, the Government of Canada is improving access to facilities, activities and services and is enabling all Canadians to participate fully in society.”
A call for proposals under the fund’s small project component is currently open and will run until Sept. 23, 2011. For more information, visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/disability.
