Ontario is helping more people with developmental disabilities find and keep jobs in the community.
The province is contributing $800,000 to help create a new Centre for Excellence for Employment Services. The new centre, which will be run by the Ontario Disability Employment Network, will provide resources to help local community agencies and employers across the province:
The Centre for Excellence for Employment Services is one of 38 projects that is receiving funding from the Employment and Modernization Fund. The fund offers financial support to projects that promote greater inclusion and independence for individuals with developmental disabilities, as they have traditionally had less opportunity to participate in the labour market.
Supporting employers and helping people with developmental disabilities to live as independently as possible is part of the government’s plan to build Ontario up. The four-part plan includes investing in people’s talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in the province’s history, creating a dynamic, supportive environment where business thrives and building a secure retirement savings plan.
“We hear over and over that a job is not just a great path to financial security – it is one of the best routes to social inclusion there is. By investing in better employment outcomes for people with disabilities, we are investing in their independence, health and overall participation in our society.”
Minister of Community and Social Services
“Including people who have a disability in recruitment strategies is smart business. The Ontario Disability Employment Network Centre for Excellence in Employment Services will add a valuable and greatly needed resource for both employment agencies and employers who want to actively engage people with a disability in their workforce.”
Joe Dale
Executive Director, Ontario Disability Employment Network
“There are great financial and societal benefits when businesses hire people with disabilities, including increased profits and productivity for companies and giving people with disabilities the capacity to live more independently in our society. The Ontario Disability Employment Network has a great track record in helping people of all abilities reach their employment goals, and I look forward to seeing how the Centre for Excellence will help employers and local community agencies create better opportunities for people with developmental disabilities.”
Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure
Source: https://news.ontario.ca/mcss/en/2015/05/new-resource-to-improve-employment-opportunities-for-people-with-developmental-disabilities-in-ontar.html?utm_source=ondemand&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=p