- Make A Change Canada
Transcription
- Make A Change Canada
Building Networks and Mapping Assets: Exploring (Self) Employment Supports for Persons with Disabilities in Five Canadian Regions Asset Mapping Report Terri MacDonald Perception Research [email protected] Asset Mapping Contractor February 2006 "This project was made possible with funding support from the Office of Learning Technologies, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada." Acknowledgements Terri MacDonald, Director of Perception Research and Kay Ryan, Executive Director of the Canadian Society for Social Development would like to extend a special thank you to asset mapping session participants and to the following community partners for making the asset-mapping sessions in Ontario, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, British Columbia, and Alberta an incredible success: • Cathy Greer from the Business Enterprise Centre and Peggy Crane from Careers for Inclusion (Barrie / South Simcoe, Ontario) • Debbie Cook from the Digby Disabilities Partnership Committee and Janice Ainsworth from Teamwork Cooperative Limited and the Collaborative Partnership Network (Halifax / Nova Scotia) • Sharon Geldart from CBDC Westmoreland Albert (Moncton / New Brunswick) • Jan Wright from Kootenay Career Development Society (Nelson / West Kootenay, British Columbia) • Phyllis Maki from Lakeland Community Development Corporation (Bonnyville / Cold Lake, Alberta) 2 Table of Contents ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ..........................................................................................................................2 TABLE OF CONTENTS ..............................................................................................................................3 INTRODUCTION .........................................................................................................................................4 BACKGROUND............................................................................................................................................4 METHODOLOGY ........................................................................................................................................5 IDENTIFIED ASSETS & GAPS..................................................................................................................6 HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA .............................................................................................................................6 MONCTON, NEW BRUNSWICK......................................................................................................................7 BARRIE, ONTARIO .......................................................................................................................................8 BONNYVILLE & COLD LAKE, ALBERTA ....................................................................................................10 NELSON, BRITISH COLUMBIA ...................................................................................................................11 COMMON GAPS & CHALLENGES .......................................................................................................12 RECOMMENDATIONS ............................................................................................................................12 APPENDIX A. REFERENCES.................................................................................................................14 APPENDIX B. ASSET-MAPPING SESSION PARTICIPANTS ...........................................................16 APPENDIX C. FOCUS GROUP GUIDING QUESTIONS....................................................................19 APPENDIX D. FOCUS GROUP DATA...................................................................................................20 HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA ASSET & GAPS ...................................................................................................20 MONCTON, NEW BRUNSWICK ASSETS & GAPS .........................................................................................22 SOUTH SIMCOE, ONTARIO - ASSETS & GAPS..........................................................................................24 COLD LAKE & BONNYVILLE, ALBERTA - ASSETS & GAPS .........................................................................28 NELSON, BRITISH COLUMBIA - ASSETS & GAPS .......................................................................................29 APPENDIX E. ASSET MAPS ...................................................................................................................31 NOVA SCOTIA ASSET MAP.........................................................................................................................31 MONCTON, NEW BRUNSWICK ASSET MAP ................................................................................................32 BARRIE, ONTARIO ASSET MAP ..................................................................................................................33 BONNYVILLE & COLD LAKE ASSET MAP ...................................................................................................34 NELSON ASSET MAP .................................................................................................................................35 APPENDIX F. IDENTIFIED LEARNING ASSETS ..............................................................................36 HALIFAX AND PROVINCE OF NOVA SCOTIA ..............................................................................................36 MONCTON AND PROVINCE OF NEW BRUNSWICK ......................................................................................40 BARRIE & SOUTH SIMCOE REGION, ONTARIO ..........................................................................................42 BONNYVILLE & COLD LAKE, ALBERTA .....................................................................................................44 NELSON & WEST KOOTENAY, BRITISH COLUMBIA ...................................................................................45 APPENDIX G. SUMMARY OF RELEVANT RESEARCH...................................................................47 3 Introduction The Canadian Society for Social Development (CSSD) received funding from the Office of Learning Technology (OLT), Human Resources Development Canada to test the extent to which the Internet Business Development for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities (IBDE) Program assists people with disabilities to develop new knowledge, skills and experience relevant to gaining (self) employment. This 3year project includes a developmental phase and an implementation phase. The developmental phase consists of four major steps: partnership development, mapping community learning assets and identifying skills gaps, developing a community learning and skill action plan, and the development of a comprehensive evaluation plan. This report presents a summary of findings from asset mapping activities. Background The IBDE Program provides persons with disabilities an online opportunity to explore web design as an employment option and build related skills. The program consists of a three month online, web design course (http://www.ibde.ca/) followed by a three month work experience segment, in which participants apply their new skills by building a website (either for their own business or for that of a local small business owner / community group) under the guidance of online instructors. The IBDE Program is being tested in five Canadian regions / provinces with the assistance of the following local community partners: • Moncton & the province of New Brunswick (CBDE Westmoreland Albert) • Halifax & the southern regions of Nova Scotia (Digby Disabilities Partnership Committee / Teamworks Cooperative Limited and the Collaborative Partnerships Network) • Barrie & South Simcoe region of Ontario (The Business Enterprise Centre / Careers for Inclusion) • Bonnyville & Cold Lake, Alberta (Lakeland Community Development Corporation) • Nelson & West Kootenay region of British Columbia (Kootenay Career Development Society and the Canadian Society for Social Development) 4 Methodology As outlined in the OLT mapping guidebook, community mapping is a type of inventory that starts by identifying and locating what already exists. It looks for opportunities to use and build on these existing resources and is an important beginning step in projects that work for community transformation. In the developmental phase of OLT funded projects, the assets mapped are the learning assets and opportunities in each pilot community. A four-phased approach was used to identify learning assets and gaps in each of the five pilot regions / provinces. First, a literature review of relevant target community publications was conducted to identify key organizations and community-specific concerns. Second, focus groups were held in each of the target regions / provinces to identify specific learning assets and gaps. Third, key organizations were contacted in order to obtain additional information on related services and programs when necessary. Finally, draft data was reviewed by community sponsors to ensure an accurate representation of each local context. In late November and early December 2005, Terri MacDonald of Perception Research facilitated asset mapping sessions in Barrie, Ontario; Halifax, Nova Scotia; and Moncton, New Brunswick. In January and February 2006, research in the final two pilot regions was completed including an asset-mapping session hosted in Bonnyville, Alberta and supplemental research conducted in Nelson, British Columbia to complement a June 2005 SEDI (Social and Enterprise Development Innovations) sponsored asset-mapping session. With the assistance of local partners a cross-section of contributors were assembled from disability, government, technology, employment, and education support organizations alongside persons with disabilities in order to identify and map local assets and gaps, and to build networks within and across communities and sectors. A total of 72 participants took part in the five asset mapping sessions. The sessions focused in on identifying learning assets and gaps related to (self) employment training & learning, disability, and ICT (information & computer technology) supports. The purpose of each session was to share knowledge, create extended networks and produce a visual inventory of key supports available to persons with disabilities interested in ICT opportunities to gain (self) employment. With new introductions being made, knowledge being shared, and the occasional ‘I didn’t know that’ comment, the sessions were considered a great success. Focus group data is presented in Appendix C. This report provides an overview of learning assets and gaps, including asset maps for each of the five target regions. Recommendations are focused on 5 building community learning & support networks both with and across CSSD target regions in order to best support entrepreneurs with disabilities. One of the ways in which CSSD hopes to foster these local networks for entrepreneurs with disabilities is to post identified learning assets on the CSSD website (www.cssd-web.org) in the form of digital maps and a learning assets database. Identified Assets & Gaps Halifax, Nova Scotia Halifax Region Labour Market Data1 Total in Labour Force: 56,610 Total Population (15 years+): 309,600 Total Employed: 203,900 Total Unemployed: 13,600 Participation Rate: 70.3% Unemployment Rate: 6.3% A number of relevant studies were reviewed to supplement findings from the Internet search and asset mapping session. Primary documents included a report mapping assets for assistive technology, low literacy & learning disabilities in Halifax (Fluke, 2005), a report mapping assets of resources for persons in the Digby disabilities Partnership Committee (Roberts, 2004), and a third report mapping assets related to self-employment supports for persons with disabilities in Halifax. Focus group findings from this research project served to reinforce assets & gaps identified in the above reports. Key assets identified include a cross-section disability support organizations (including the Disability Partnership), business support organizations and computer access / support organizations. Public libraries, HRSD offices, colleges and universities were also mapped. It is important to note that the province of Nova Scotia provides a best practice example of collaboration as evidenced by the ongoing success of the Disability Partnership (brings together 12 disability support organizations from across the province). Strong partnerships help to ensure accurate and timely client referrals are made. Identified programs and funding opportunities included the Andrew Peacock Fund, Assistive Technology Centres, the Business Development Bank of 1 http://www40.statcan.ca/l01/cst01/lfss02a.htm 6 Canada, the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities, and Lake City Employment (recycled computers). The Nova Scotia asset map is presented in Appendix D. Identified gaps & challenges faced by entrepreneurs with disabilities in Nova Scotia included: transportation issues, workplace & housing accessibility, affordable housing, funding support, affording quality computer equipment, child care costs, low wages, stigma (public perception – i.e. everyone with a disability is in a wheelchair), golden handcuffs (disincentive to earn $ due to threat of losing CPP or other benefits), low self esteem, shifting skill set, and difficulty navigating through the system and transitions. Identified gaps & challenges faced by organizations supporting entrepreneurs with disabilities in Nova Scotia included: shifting funding, challenges associated with rural issues (access to health care, transportation, etc.), job development, employer sensitivity, cross-sectoral collaboration & turf wars, Reachability is now for pay, challenges associated with identifying the client (will they self identify, how to ask the question), challenges associated with multiple disabilities, literacy issues, and limited links to employers. Solutions proposed by research participants included: mentoring & coaching, job development, long-term funding, affordable rural transportation, client focused funding, community support, and medical plans. Moncton, New Brunswick New Brunswick Labour Market Data2 Total in Labour Force: 383,00 Total Population: 611,400 Total Employed: 342,400 Total Unemployed: 40,600 Participation Rate: 62.6% Unemployment Rate: 10.6% Key assets identified include a cross-section disability support organizations, business support organizations and computer access / support organizations. Public libraries, HRSD offices, colleges and universities, and a number of federal and provincial departments were also mapped. Identified assets related to funding and programs included: Training and Employment support services, the Opportunities Fund, TED – Employer Wage 2 http://www40.statcan.ca/l01/cst01/lfss02a.htm 7 Reimbursement, student loans / study grants, worker’s compensation, Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPPD) benefits, provincial equal opportunities fund, CAP YI (youth intern funding), WFCS Career Counseling, Self-Employment Benefits (SEB) Program, the Salvation Army, Work Ability and Work Force Expansion. The Moncton asset map is presented in Appendix D. Identified gaps & challenges faced by entrepreneurs with disabilities in New Brunswick included: accessibility, eligibility criteria, stigmatism, accessible and affordable transportation, lack of interpreters, multiple handicaps, communication barriers, limited money, limited mobility, lack of adaptive training, lack of stability in support system, diminished salary or forced out of a job, limited access to equipment, private attendants, limited guidance (i.e. what person with a disability has access to), limited access to services / support in rural areas, lack of suitable living accommodations, family unit as defined by Family & Community Services, medical expenses, transition to post-secondary from high school, and student loan programs are not publicized. Identified gaps & challenges faced by organizations supporting entrepreneurs with disabilities in New Brunswick included: eligibility criteria, accessing accommodations, limited funding, lack of choice (cannot make more than $x), lack of knowledge of certain disabilities, lack of sensitivity, lack of knowledge by employers on disability issues as well as lack of knowledge of organizations and programs, and lack of disability knowledge by placement agencies. Solutions offered by participants included educating / sensitizing employers to disability issues, marketing success stories, and educating youth. Barrie, Ontario Barrie Labour Market Data3 Total in Labour Force: 103,710 Total Population (15 years+): 79,645 Total Employed: 55,885 Total Unemployed: 3,205 Participation Rate: 72.3% Employment Rate: 68.2% Unemployment Rate: 5.7% 3 http://www12.statcan.ca/english/profil01/CP01/Details/Page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo1=CSD&Code1=3543042&Geo2=PR&Co de2=35&Data=Count&SearchText=Barrie&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=01&B1=All&GeoLevel=&GeoCode=3543042 8 The Simcoe County Training Board published valuable resource for the identification of learning assets in a catalogue of employment programs and services for persons with disabilities. (Simcoe County Training Board, 2002) In addition, the 211 Ontario.ca searchable online database of employment-related programs and services proved an excellent resource.4 Focus group findings from this research project served to reinforce assets & gaps identified in the above reports. Key assets identified for entrepreneurs with disabilities in the South Simcoe region include a cross-section disability support organizations, business support organizations and computer access / support organizations. Public libraries, HRSD offices, and colleges were also mapped. The Barrie asset map is presented in Appendix D. Identified programs and funding opportunities included: The Cooperators, Microsoft, Ontario Trillium Foundation, United Way, HBC Community Fund (BANAC), Ontario Library Association, Computer Loan Program (LDA), Training Board, Native Friendship Centre, Georgian Downs – Innisfil Fund, Casino Rama – Community Fund, Recycling Program for Computers, Community Loan Investment Fund (Community Futures), Opportunities Fund, Ontario Disability Support Program, Self Employment Assistance, Ontario Works, Skills Link, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, Community Futures Business Counseling, Centre for Access – Georgian College, Employment Resource Centre, The Career Centre, Community Breakfast – LSP, Phoenix Program, and Ontario Youth Apprenticeship. Identified gaps & challenges faced by entrepreneurs with disabilities in South Simcoe included: accessible and flexible transportation, limited income & low insufficient and funds for technology & course materials, no incentive to gain employment / ‘golden handcuffs, limited access, daycare challenges, public perception / awareness, self-advocacy skills, knowledge of available services, self-awareness / self-esteem, and health care management. Identified gaps & challenges faced by organizations supporting entrepreneurs with disabilities in South Simcoe included: no core funding for employment programs, staff training (health & safety), sensitivity awareness, up-to-date inventory of programs & services, advocacy, financial / human resources, public awareness / perception, dedicated Board members / leadership, proactive programming instead of reactive / funding chasing, identifying the client, language barriers, needs evaluation, administrative delays, and challenges associated with different learning approaches. Additional challenges for programs and services included: limited longevity of programs, pre-determined ‘completion dates’ (clients may not be ready to go on), 4 (http://www.211toronto.ca/ips/start.jsp) 9 lack of continuous / follow-up support for clients, bureaucratic process is maze like for clients, and accurate assessment of client learning needs. Solutions proposed by research participants included: community awareness campaigns / public education, employer education, long term funding, coaches / advocates for career counseling, county-wide service directories updated annually, ensure basic needs are met for people with disabilities, recruitment process for leadership, envision needs based on community & political & economic environments, transportation / bus services to larger centres, press releases, employer education, Ontarians with Disabilities Act 2005, and the 211 phone and web inventory of services. Bonnyville & Cold Lake, Alberta Northeast Region Labour Market Data5 Total in Labour Force: 65,500 Total Population: 105,100 Total Employed: 63,200 Total Unemployed: 2,300 Participation Rate: 73.5% Unemployment Rate: n/a Key assets identified for entrepreneurs with disabilities in the Bonnyville & Cold Lake area include a cross-section disability support organizations, business support organizations and computer access / support organizations. Public libraries, HRSD offices, and colleges were also mapped. The Bonnyville / Cold Lake asset map is presented in Appendix D. Identified programs and funding opportunities included: Alberta Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Enhanced Support Services (AEDESS) offered by LCDC providing loans and entrepreneurial support. Employability Skills Program offered by Portage College, Entrepreneurial and employment support for PWD offered by Work Ink Alberta, Alberta Learning Information Systems (ALIS) provides job bank, employment support, learning & training information (gov.ab.ca), North Eastern Demonstration Project, and the Renewal Project. Identified gaps & challenges included transportation, attitudes & awareness, access to technology & adaptive equipment, employer fears, competitive job market, opportunity through oil & gas boom but not for PWD, education 5 http://www.alberta-canada.com/regionalDev/files/pdf/northeastRegion05.pdf 10 requirements for employment, and in some cases limited opportunity to use education. The solution of educating employers and PWD to openly communicate requirements was also offered. Nelson, British Columbia Central Kootenay Labour Market Data6 Total in Labour Force: 28,570 Total Population: 57,019 Total Unemployed: 2,400 Participation Rate: 61.9% Unemployment Rate: 11.6% Key assets identified for entrepreneurs with disabilities in the Nelson area include a cross-section disability support organizations, business support organizations and computer access / support organizations including: Ashland Training Centre (Job Shop), Columbia Basin Trust (Basin Business Advocates Program / Alliance for Literacy), BC Paraplegic Association, Canadian Mental Health Association Canadian Society for Social Development, Chamber of Commerce, Circle of Habondia, Canadian National Institute for the Blind(CNIB), Community Futures of Central Kootenay (Self-Employment Program / Business Loans / Entrepreneurial Support), Connected Communities, Earth and Sky Fabric Design, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada(HRSDC), Interior Health Authority Kootenay Career Development Society (KCDS), Kootenay Employment Services (KES), Kootenay Savings Credit Union, L.V. Rogers, Local 480 Union, Ministry of Human Resources (MHR), and Nelson and District Credit Union. The Nelson asset map is presented in Appendix D. Identified gaps & challenges faced by entrepreneurs with disabilities and related support organizations included: scheduling, transportation, accommodation of specific needs in training and education, public awareness, golden handcuffs, access to start up capital, physical limitations, leadership, foster supportive workplaces, costs of formal assessment, fragmentation of the support services sector, dependency on government funding, funding for assistive technologies, continuum of supports required (including family & friends), lack of peer interaction, and need for flexibility in funding. 6 http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/data/dd/facsheet/cf080.pdf 11 Common Gaps & Challenges • Developing & maintaining partnerships across business support organizations and disability support organizations (including accurate cross referrals) • Entrepreneurial programs designed specifically to address the challenges faced by people with disabilities • Changing funding leads to constant changes in programs and services • Addressing perceptions & attitudes of the general public and employers to persons with disabilities • ‘Golden Handcuffs’ – fear of losing disability benefits limits efforts aimed at becoming financially independent • Transportation / access to services for those in rural areas • Limited funding & resource support for persons with disabilities and related support organizations • Transportation challenges for persons with disabilities – affordability, reliability and flexibility Recommendations • foster communication within and across local learning networks - linking disability and employment support organizations • work with local learning networks to address computer equipment needs, software and supplies for CSSD participants • CSSD to share best practices and success stories through quarterly newsletter • CSSD could extend its mandate to include advocacy and research in order to address common gaps & challenges identified across target communities • CSSD could host an online searchable database similar to that offered by the 211 (http://www.211toronto.ca/ips/start.jsp) • CSSD web site could host message boards for target community participants and support providers to provide a virtual space to discuss local issues 12 • establish a peer network / mentoring program for entrepreneurs with disabilities • address systemic concerns – golden handcuffs, problems with public perception, limited funding to social services Conclusion Findings from focus groups in each of the five target communities served to reinforce initial findings from the literature review; the IBDE Program fills a gap in existing services. While self-employment and entrepreneurial programs continue to be offered through local business support organizations, and disability support organizations continue to provide mainly ‘soft’ employment supports (i.e. resume writing, advocacy, job search), a bridge across these sectors could be further supported. The Canadian Society for Social Development bridges this gap through the provision of ‘hard’ employment & entrepreneurship skills coupled with support specifically designed to address challenges faced by persons with disabilities (i.e. scheduling flexibility, ongoing instructional support, assistive technologies, etc.). Common challenges across target communities further reinforce the need for CSSD programs, especial challenges faced by groups such as persons with disabilities and those living in rural / remote areas of Canada (i.e. transportation, limited access to education, training, & employment). The Canadian Society for Social Development (CSSD) should continue to work closely with networks in each of the target communities to ensure that local supports are available for students as required. Networks in each of the target communities should continue to share information both within and across sectors (business support organizations, disability support organizations, and computer supports). In addition, local networks could share success stories & best practices through submissions to the CSSD Quarterly newsletter. 13 Appendix A. References Primary References Bruce Roberts Consulting & AEGIS Management Consulting Group. (2004). Digby Disabilities Partnership Committee. Asset Mapping Project Final Report. Carruthers, D. (2005). SEDI Final Asset Mapping Report. Carruthers, D. (2005). SEDI Focus Group Report. Fuke, D. (2005). Bridging the Gaps: Assistive Technology, Low Literacy & Learning Disabilities. Asset Mapping Final Report. www.hrca.ns.ca/CLN/Reports.htm Office of Learning Technologies, Human Resources Development Canada. Community Learning Asset Mapping: A Guidebook for Community Learning Networks. Pittman, D. (2005). People with Disabilities in Lenenburg and Queens Counties, Nova Scotia: 2005 Needs Assessment Survey Final Report. Simcoe County Training Board. (2002). Simcoe County Catalogue of Employment Programs and Services for Persons with Disabilities. Secondary References Blanck, P, Sandler, L.A., Schmeling, J.L. & Schartz, H. (2000). The Emerging Workforce of Entrepreneurs with Disabilities: Preliminary Study of Entrepreneurship in Iowa. Retrieved June 27, 2005 from http://disability.law.uiowa.edu/lhpdc/publications/documents/blancketaldocs/Entrepreneurship_in_ Iowa.pdf Canadian Abilities Foundation. (2004). Neglected or Hidden: Connecting Employers and People with Disabilities in Canada. Retrieved June 27, 2005 from http://www.abilities.ca/features/noh/index.php Canadian Centre on Disability Studies. (2002). Best Practices in Home Based Employment of People with Disabilities. Retrieved June 27, 2005 from http://www.disabilitystudies.ca/bestpractices.pdf Canadian Centre on Disability Studies. (2001). Building Bridges between the Corporate Sector and the Disability Community. Retrieved June 27, 2005 from http://www.disabilitystudies.ca/bridges.html Canadian e-Business Initiative. (2002). Net Impact Study in Canada: The SME Experience. Retrieved June 27, 2005 from http://www.cebi.ca/Public/Team1/Docs/net_impact.pdf Fricke, Y. (2002) From Division to Vision: Meeting the leaning Technology Needs of Disabled Canadians. Office of Learning Technologies. Retrieved June 27, 2005 from http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/hip/lld/olt/Skills_Development/OLTResearch/from_division_to_vision.s html 14 Government of Canada. (2002). Bridging the Gap: Government of Canada Programs and Services of Interest to Canadians with Disabilities. Retrieved June 25, 2005, from http://www.sdc.gc.ca/en/hip/odi/documents/bridgingTheGap/bridgingTheGap.pdf Human Resources Development Canada. (2002). Promising Practices in Employability Assistance for People with Disabilities (EAPD) Funded Programs and Services. Retrieved June 27, 2005 from http://www.healthservices.gov.bc.ca/mhd/pdf/ppeapd.pdf Human Resources Development Canada. (2001). Summative Evaluation of the Opportunities fund for Persons with Disabilities. Retrieved June 25, 2005 from http://www.sdc.gc.ca/en/cs/sp/edd/reports/2001-000459/OFPD2_E.pdf Human Resources Development Canada. (1999). New Learning Technologies: Applications, Challenges, Success Stories from the Front Lines. Retrieved June 27, 2005 from http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/hip/lld/olt/Skills_Development/OLTResearch/learning_tech_application s.shtml Lochhead, C. (2003). The Transition Penalty: Unemployment Among Recent Immigrants in Canada. Retrieved June 27, 2005 from http://www.clbc.ca/files/Reports/Fitting_In/Transition_Penalty_e-CLBC.pdf Mendelson, M. (2004). Aboriginal People in Canada’s Labour Market. Caledon Institute of Social Policy. Retrieved June 27, 2005 from http://www.caledoninst.org/Publications/PDF/471ENG.pdf Rural Secretariat. (2001). Rural Canada in the Knowledge-Based Economy. Retrieved June 27, 2005 from http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/ineasaes.nsf/vwapj/srmem200103e.PDF/$FILE/srmem200103e.PDF Social Development Canada. (2004). Advancing the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities. Retrieved June 25, 2005, from http://www.sdc.gc.ca/en/hip/odi/documents/advancingInclusion04/aipd04.pdf Statistics on Persons with Disabilities. (2002). Compiled by the Premier’s Council on the Status of Disabled Persons. Fredericton, N.B. Adapted from Statistics Canada - A Profile of Disability In Canada, 2001. Participation and Activity Limitation Survey. Catalogue # 89-579-XIE. Statistics Canada. (2005). Youth Unemployment Rate. Retrieved June 27, 2005 from http://www.statcan.ca/english/freepub/82-221-XIE/2004002/tables/html/2242_02.htm Statistics Canada The Daily. (December 11, 2003). E-Commerce: Household Shopping on the Internet. Retrieved June 27, 2005 from http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/031211/d031211b.htm Minister of Industry. (2002). A Profile of Disability in Canada, 2001. Retrieved June 25, 2005, from http://www.sdc.gc.ca/en/hip/odi/documents/PALS/PALS.pdf Wilson, R & Bailey, S. (2004). A Self Employment Policy Discussion Paper: Trends, Challenges, Barriers, Conclusions. Social and Enterprise Development Innovations. Retrieved June 27, 2005 from http://www.sedi.org/DataRegV2-unified/sediPublications/Self%20Employment%20Policy%20Discussion.pdf Wright, R. (2001). Tapping the Talents of People with Disabilities: A Guide for Employers. The Conference Board of Canada. Retrieved June 27, 2005 from http://www.conferenceboard.ca/documents.asp?rnext=85 15 Appendix B. Asset-Mapping Session Participants Halifax, Nova Scotia Andrea Noah, West Nova Persons with Disabilities Committee Margaret Matthews, Lunenburg/Queens Action Council for People with Disabilities Jaclyn Muir, Nova Scotia Rehabilitation Centre Site Debbie G. Cook, Digby Disabilities Partnership Committee Edith E. Leopold, Valley Disability Partnership Society Moncton, New Brunswick Dianne LeBlanc Lean Guy Richard Joanne Gaudet Eric Pelletier Jennie Fournier Judy Betts Monique Savoie, CCRW Employment Services Ernie LeBlanc, John Howard Society Manon Nadeau, CCRW Employment Services Cynthia Black, Built Networ Sharon Geldart. CBDC Westmorland Albert Gloria Wigmore, Angus MacDonald Community Centre Manon Corurier-Viel, CCRW Employment Services Jean Daigle, FES Barrie, Ontario Peggy Crane, Careers for Inclusion Joanne Stuart Madelaine Seguin Ashley Arnold Joanne Gallacher Eve Kurschner Melanie Remonde Diane Paquette Ruby Young Cathy Greer, Business Enterprise Resource network of Barrie – S Simcoe Inc. 16 Bonnyville & Cold Lake, Alberta David Beale, FCSS Roger (for Diane Metrunec), Dove Centre Shalina Silcox, FCSS Laurence Noel, Premier’s Council for Disabled Persons Amanda (for Belle Dy-Reyes), Labour Market Development Manager MNA Maureen Sander, Employabilities Yvette Shostak, Portage College Tamina Selig, WorkInk Melody Kwiatkowski, Lakeland Community Development Corporation Phyllis Maki, Lakeland Community Development Corporation Nelson, British Columbia Alan McCuaig, Canadian Institute for the Blind Ann Jensen, HRSDC Barb Williams, Community Futures Development Corporation Beth Hargreaves. Kootenay Career Development Society Bill Duggan, Sunshine Bay Enterprises Carmen Harrison, Community Futures Development Corporation Cynthia Sprout, IBDE grad Darlene Cockerill, Ashland Training Centre Deanne Monroe, Basin Business Advocates Program (CBT) Deb Kozak, Nelson & District Community Resources Society / Chamber of Commerce Derek Murphy, Slocan Valley Economic Development Commission Diane White, Interior Health-Nelson Mental Health & Additions / Therapeutic Volunteer Program Heather Myers, Interior Health - Nelson Mental Health Clubhouse Helen Stanley, Art Craft Canada.com - IBDE Grad Hugh Grant, Kootenay Employment Services (Creston) Jan Wright, Kootenay Career Development Society Jeanette Johnson, Services Canada Jennifer Cliff-Marks, Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy Jenny Hide, CMHA - Achieve Joanne Harris, Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy Kathy Holmes, Ashland Training Centre Kay Ryan, Canadian Society for Social Development Kendall McPherson, HRSDC - Program Laura White, Kootenay School of the Arts 17 Lena Horswill, Nelson Community Services Centre Lonnie Facchina, West Kootenay Chapter - MS Society of Canada Robin Higgins, Selkirk College Sandra Boscariol, LV Rogers Secondary School SD#8 Sharlene Patterson, Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy Shelia Adcock, Career Development Services Trail Terri MacDonald, Perception Research Zoe Langlois, KCDS 18 Appendix C. Focus Group Guiding Questions Identifying Assets Identify key organizations & individuals – disability support, (self) employment support, computer access / Internet technologies support (i.e. CAP sites) Identify key programs & funding – focus on employment support / training for persons with disabilities; also including available funds for computers, upgrades & / or course supplies Identify linkages across assets – who is / how are organizations working together to deliver employment support / training for persons with disabilities (formal and informal) Identifying Gaps Identify challenges faced by persons with disabilities in securing the support they need to become employed Identify challenges faced by organizations / programs in meeting the needs of their clients with disabilities Identify gaps in programs / services focused on providing employment support / training for persons with disabilities Identify solutions aimed at addressing gaps 19 Appendix D. Focus Group Data Halifax, Nova Scotia Asset & Gaps Assets – Key Organizations • Disability Partnership o employAbility Partnership o Inverness-Richmond Society for Persons with Disabilities o Disability Coalition of Antigonish Guysborough Committee (no longer functioning) o Let Abilities Work Partnership Society o Central Partnership on Disability Issues Society o Cumberland African Nova Scotian Association o Teamwork Cooperative Limited (http://www.teamworkcooperative.ns.ca/_cgi/index.php) o Hants County Community Access Network o Valley Disability Partnership Society o Digby Disabilities Partnership Committee o West Nova Persons with Disabilities o Lunenburg / Queens Action Council for People with Disabilities o Collaborative Partnership Network • Truro, Amherst, Antigonish, New Glasgow (disability supports) • Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) • Deaf and Hard of Hearing Society • Disabled Persons Commission • CTAP (transportation) • NSLEO (coalition of clubs) • Rehab Centre • CPA • Mental health offices • Nsnet.org • Directions Counsel • RDA • ACSBE • Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development (CEED) (http://www.ceed.info/programs/) • Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Network (http://www.entrepreneurdisability.org) • YMCA • Canadian Youth Business Foundation (http://www.cybf.ca/) • Universities / Colleges • Centre for Women in Business (http://www.msvu.ca/cwb/welcome.htm) • Career Resource Centre • Community Coordinator • ACOA • Service Canada • Community Business Development Corporation (http://www.cbdc.ca) • St. Mary’s University Business Development Centre (http://www.smu.ca/partners/smubdc/htmls/) • Canada / Nova Scotia Business Service Centre (http://www.cbsc.org) • Native Council • Neil Squire • Community Counts website 20 • • • • • • • • • • • NSBI TODCL BBI www.disabilitystudies.ca CAP sites – libraries, colleges, CRC, NS.net Department of Community Services LMAPWD Literacy organizations Department of Education Learning Disabilities of Nova Scotia Assessments Assets – Programs & Funding Opportunities • Andrew Peacock Fund • Banks • Business Development Bank of Canada (http://www.bdc.ca/flash.asp) • Assistive Technology Centres • Lake City Employment (recycled computers) Assets – Linkages • Disability Partnership • NSCC • Informal one-on-one contacts Sites with the Most Assistive Technology – Halifax Region (Fluke, 2005) Organization Region # Types of Assistive Technologies Reading Edge, Kurzweil, Dictate Atlantic Ctr. of Support for Hali-Dart 6 Dragon, Jaws, TextHelp, Eloquence, Students w/ Disabilities Kurzweil, Jaws, Dectalk, Eloquence, CNIB Hali-Dart 6 ZoomText, Magic Jaws, ZoomText, ProveIt Training, Job Junction Hali-Dart 5 ProveIt Testing, L & H Voice Alderney Gate Public Library Hali-Dart 3 Jaws, Kurzweil and ZoomText pending Ctr. For Diverse Visible Cultures Hali-Dart 3 Jaws, Image Enhancer, Touch Screen LDANS Downtown 3 Dragon Dictate, TextHelp, Word Q MSVU Hali-Dart 3 Dragon N.S., Kurzweil, TextHelp Spring Garden Public Library Downtown 3 ZoomText, Magnifier, screen keyboard Tantallon Public Library HRM 3 Magnifier, Narrator, screen keyboard YMCA Enterprise of Darmouth Hali-Dart 3 Jaws, Magic, Microsoft Magnifier Job Search Services Main Office Hali-Dart 2 Navigator, Magic Options Work Activity Program Hali-Dart 2 Jaws, ZoomText Provincial Autism Centre Downtown 2 Kurzweil, Liberator Keshen Goodman Public Library Hali-Dart 2 Magnifier, Narrator People Plus Consulting Hali-Dart 1 Voice Recognition Gaps – Challenges Faces by Persons with Disabilities • Transportation • Accessibility – workplace, housing • Affordable housing • Funding • Quality of equipment • Child care • Low wages 21 • • • • • • Stigma (public perception – i.e. everyone with a disability is in a wheelchair) Golden handcuffs – disincentive to earn $ due to threat of losing CPP or other benefits Self esteem Shifting skill set Support through transitions Navigating through system Gaps – Challenges Faced by Organizations / Programs • Funding – need for long term • Rural issues • Job development • Employer sensitivity • Cross-sectoral collaboration – competition (i.e. client numbers); disability focused supports respected by other organizations • Reachability (now for pay) • Self identified (i.e. how to ask the question; will they self identify) • Multiple disabilities • Literacy issues • Links to employer • Self managed attendant care (solution) Solutions • Mentoring • Job development • Coaching • Secure long-term funding • Transportation (affordable, rural) • Client focused funding (limited opportunities funding) • Community buy in • Medical plan Moncton, New Brunswick Assets & Gaps Assets – Key Organizations Federal • HRSD (Human Resources Skills Development Canada) • TEDS • FCS • Veterans Affairs • Indian Affairs • Public Services Comm. Provincial • Premier’s Council Board • Community Access Centre • Department of Education • Department of Health Organizations • CNIB (Canadian National Institute for • Canadian Deaf and Hard of Hearing the Blind) Association • Alternative Res. A • MD • MS • MacDonald Centre • APSEA 22 • • • • • • • • • • • • CPA Neil Squire NBACL Stan Cassidies Head Start Mental Health CCRW YMCA Boys & Girls Clubs John Howard SEDS Atelier de L’Artisant • • • • • • • • • • FCS Libraries Salvation Army Enterprise Greater Moncton METS BUILT Network Ass. Community Living Access Centres Centre du Four Finding the Way - Support for Single Parents • • • • • • • • Public School System Canada Study Grant Canada Pension Plan WHSCC CNBB (GED / W-4-ALL) Neil Squire Elizabeth Fry Ability Edge Assets – Programs & Funding Opportunities • TESS • Opportunity Funds • TED • Unions • Student Loans • Canadian Study Grant • Worker’s Compensation • CPPD • Private Insurance Company • Equal Opportunities (provincial) • CAPYI • WFCS Career Counseling • SEB • Salvation Army • Work Ability • Workforce Expansion Assets - Linkages Not working together • Indian Affairs and Public Service Comm Could work better together • Disability organizations listed above • Library and Enterprise Greater Moncton Working Together • Universities • Colleges • BUILT Network • Pat Spell Read • Training and Skills Development • CCRW • John Howard • Laubach Gaps – Challenges Faces by Persons with Disabilities • Accessibility • Eligibility criteria • Stigmatism • Transportation 23 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Lack of interpreter Multiple handicap Communication barrier Money Mobility Lack of adaptive training Lack of stability in support system Diminished salary or forced out of a job Limited access to equipment Private attendants Not a lot of guidance (i.e. what person with a disability has access to) If in rural community no access to services / support Lack of suitable living accommodations Family unit as defined by FCS Medical expenses Transition to post-secondary from high school Student loan programs not publicized Gaps – Challenges Faced by Organizations / Programs • eligibility criteria • accessing accommodations • money • lack of choice (cannot make more than $x) • lack of knowledge of certain disabilities • lack of sensitivity • lack of knowledge by employers on disability issues as well as lack of knowledge of organizations and programs • lack of disability knowledge by placement agencies Solutions • educating / sensitizing employers to disability issues (departments placement agencies, etc) • marketing success stories talking – educating youth South Simcoe, Ontario - Assets & Gaps Assets – Key Organizations • Learning Disabilities Simcoe County • Simcoe Muskoka Literacy Network – 18 programs for adults • Simcoe Community Services • Huronia Hearing Impaired • CNIB (Canadian National Institute for the Blind) • Northern Lights • SCAPD • Brain Injury • SMHA • Epilepsy Society • Nottawasaga Community Futures (youth entrepreneurship, computers, business counseling) • La Cle d’la Baie (computers, employment support) • ERC • YMCA (computers) 24 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • David Busby Street Centre Marg McGill (Alliston) Salvation Army (Hope Acres) Penetang Mental Health Jail – CNCC Community Futures Development Corporation (Orillia, Midland, Collingwood) TRACKS Georgian College Job Connects Contact FOCUS Libraries GBBEC – Greater Barrie Business Enterprise Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle (computers, course supplies) The Barrie & District Association for People with Special Needs (Barrie & Simcoe County) Borden Family Resource Centre (computers) Breaking Down Barriers, An Independent Living Centre (Collingwood) Canadian Mental Health Association QUEST Catulpa Tamarac – do not have employment support programs (Barrie & Simcoe County) La Cle (computers, skills training for PWD) (Barrie & South Simcoe) Chippewas of Mnjikaning First Nation (computers) (Barrie & Simcoe County) Collingwood Community Living Community Living Association of South Simcoe (CLASS) Community Living Huronia Employment Resource Centre (computers) (Barrie & Area X5, Alliston, Midland, Orillia, Penetanguishene, First Nations Career Office) Focus Community Development Corporation (computers) (South Simcoe) Georgian College – The Centre for Access and Disability Services (computers) Goodwill Industries (computers) HRDC (skills training, course supplies) Northern Lights Vocational Services Ontario Disability Support Program (skills training, course supplies) Penetanguishene Mental Health Centre The Simcoe County Association for the Physically Disabled Simcoe County Social Services Department (computers, course supplies) The Career Centre (computers) Wendat Community Psychiatric Support Programs (computers) Simcoe Brain Injuries Barrie Literacy Council (skills training, course supplies) Business Enterprise Resource Network (BERN) (internet, SEA, and Start Smart also) Greater Barrie Enterprise Centre Barrie Native Friendship Centre Libraries (computers) Learning Centres (computers) Careers for Inclusion / Peggy Crane Communications & Training / Donna Douglas Career Horizons Career Management Services / Linda Simpson ORMI – Ontario Rehab Management Services Career Connections / Julie Wilson Base Borden My Sister’s Place 25 • My Friend’s Place • Rosewood Assets – Programs & Funding Opportunities • The Cooperators • Microsoft • Ontario Trillium Foundation • United Way • HBC Community Fund (BANAC) • Ontario Library Association • Service / Church groups • Computer Loan Program (LDA) • AOC • Training Board • Native Friendship Centre • Goodwill • Georgian Downs – Innisfil Fund • Casino Rama – Community Fund • Recycling Program for Computers • Community Loan Investment Fund (Community Futures) • Opportunities Fund • ODSP • SEA • Ontario Works • Skills Link • WSIB • Community Futures Business Counseling • Centre for Access – Georgian College • ERC • The Career Centre • Community Breakfast – LSP • Phoenix Program • Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Assets – Linkages • Employment Resource Centres and Business Enterprise Resource Network • HRDC (Service Canada) and Nottawasaga Futures • Employment Resource Centres and Nottawasaga Futures • Ontario Disability Support Program and The Career Centre • Common Roof – Alliston Providers • OPSP meeting • United Way Member Agency Meeting • Job Fit – LDA, YMCA, Midland, HRSD, Ontario Works • 80 Bradford / Sponsors Meetings Gaps – Challenges Faces by Persons with Disabilities • transportation – access, no wheel transportation – inconvenient times, inconsistent, long advance bookings • financial – average income, low insufficient and funds for technology, course materials, education, skills training, no incentive • emotional – family support, on your own – isolation, depression, fear • discrimination – employers, lower pay / no pay • golden handcuffs 26 • • • • • • • • • • access – unfriendly, wheelchair, mobility daycare rehabilitation – timelines, duration, loss of skills and work experience public perception / awareness self-advocacy skills knowledge of available services self-awareness / self-esteem health care management essential skills restriction of consumer funding Gaps – Challenges Faced by Organizations / Programs • financial supports – no core funding for employment programs • geography – big country, population dispersed • staff training – health & safety • sensitivity awareness • information – who does what, dealing with change, accurate referrals • advocacy – one stop shop, website • financial / human resources • public awareness / perception • awareness of all available programs • consumer commitment and motivation • dedicated Board members / leadership • keeping on track and strategic plans • proactive programming instead of reactive • identifying the client – learning disabled, self-identifying • language barriers • needs evaluation • family inheritance • too much time, paperwork – delays of 3 to 4 years • support – career counselor • different learning approaches Gaps – Programs & Services • longevity of programs • pre-determined ‘completion dates’ – clients may not be ready to go on • lack of continuous / follow-up support for clients • service’s process is too lengthy – maze like for clients • concentrate on client’s specific needs - time frames are too short • consumer identifying their specific needs or being aware of their specific needs Solutions • community awareness campaigns / public education • employer education • funding • coaches / advocates for career counseling • county-wide service directories updated annually • secure basic needs for people with disabilities • recruitment process for leadership • envision needs based on community, political, and economic environments • transportation / bus services to larger centres • press releases, employer education, Ontarians with Disabilities Act 2005 • 211 – number to call and website to find out about available services 27 Cold Lake & Bonnyville, Alberta - Assets & Gaps Assets – Key Organizations • Portage College • Family & Community Support Services (FCSS) (Bonnyville & Cold Lake) • Dove Centre (Bonnyville) • Community Options (Cold Lake) • Metis Nation of Alberta (MNA) • EmployAbilities • WORKink Alberta • Cold Lake community Learning • Global Information Brokers (SE Program) • Apeetogosan (Metis) Development Inc. • Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder Clinic (FASD) • Health Units (Aids to Daily Living Program) • Residential Living for adults with brain injuries (Moon Abbri) • People First • Lakeland Community Development Corporation (LCDC) • Library (Bonnyville & Cold Lake) • Interagency Group (Bonnyville & Cold Lake) • Community Council • Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) • Alberta Human Resources & Employment (AHRE) (income support) • Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) • Self Advocacy Group Provincial Territorial & People First of Canada (Winnipeg) • Alberta Brain Injury Association • Alberta Mental Health • Aspen Health Region • Alberta Association for Community Living • Heather Rymut (AHRE) Employment Services • Canadian Native Friendship Centre (Bonnyville & Cold Lake) • Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) • Alberta Alcohol Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC) • Canadian Association for Community Living • William J. Stelmaschuk (WJS) – for profit corporation providing employment support to PWD funded by PDD • Catholic Social Services (CSS) Assets – Programs & Funding Opportunities • Alberta Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Enhanced Support Services (AEDESS) offered by LCDC providing loans and entrepreneurial support • Employability Skills Program offered by Portage College • Entrepreneurial and employment support for PWD offered by Work Ink Alberta • Alberta Learning Information Systems (ALIS) provides job bank, employment support, learning & training information (gov.ab.ca) • North Eastern Demonstration Project provides employer support and support for PWD seeking employment offered by employAbilities with partial funding from PDD • Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) provides employment preparation and oneon-one support through the Dove Centre, WJC, CSS • Renewal Project provides one-on-one employment support offered by the Metis Nation of Alberta and Portage College • Band Office Programs 28 Assets – Linkages • Community Learning Councils (networking) • Interagency Group (networking & updates) – Cold Lake exploring Jasper Model for one stop shop for social development programs in one building • Linkages between LCDC, Work Ink, ALIS, employAbilities, AHRE, Chamber of Commerce Gaps & Solutions • transportation – access, inconvenient & inconsistent times • attitude • awareness • access to technology (cost of computer, phone, Internet connection) • adaptive equipment (costs, availability – AHRE funds) • fear of employers (i.e. cost of accommodations, responsibility, health care costs) – must continue to educate employers and PWD to openly communicate requirements • competitive job market • opportunity through oil & gas boom but not for PWD • education requirements for employment • opportunities to use education Nelson, British Columbia - Assets & Gaps Assets – Key Organizations & Programs • Ashland Training Centre (Job Shop) • Columbia Basin Trust (Basin Business Advocates Program / Alliance for Literacy) • BC Paraplegic Association • Canadian Mental Health Association • Canadian Society for Social Development • Chamber of Commerce • Circle of Habondia • Canadian National Institute for the Blind(CNIB) • Community Futures of Central Kootenay (Self-Employment Program / Business Loans / Entrepreneurial Support) • Connected Communities • Earth and Sky Fabric Design • Human Resources and Skills Development Canada(HRSDC) • Interior Health Authority • Kootenay Career Development Society (KCDS) • Kootenay Employment Services (KES) • Kootenay Savings Credit Union • L.V. Rogers • Local 480 Union • Ministry of Human Resources (MHR) • Nelson and District Credit Union Gaps & Solutions • Scheduling is a problem for people with disabilities, requiring flexibility at workplace and with training programs. On-line training can accommodate flexibility • Transportation is an issue, getting to work, training, meeting with peers, etc. • Accommodation of specific needs in training / education – more is needed to support the requirements of the individual • Public awareness and education still an issue, as is discrimination. • Issue of “Golden Handcuffs” – difficult to get off assistance, especially around selfemployment 29 • Access to start-up capital is a problem when the individual is on assistance or doesn’t have any assets • Toxicity issues – map out no-go zones, although individuals may have their own requirements of where they can and can’t go • Need to invest in building local leaders and champions in the disability community – many of the leaders are not disabled • Non-visible disabilities are not adequately addressed – focus still too much on wheelchairs • Need to identify appropriate businesses that have or can create supportive workplaces • Scale issues – do you look at the needs of the individual, community or region? • To be classified as “disabled”, you need a formal psycho-educational assessment, which can cost $1,200 • Fragmentation within the both the support and service sector AND within the community of those with disabilities • There is no one-stop service provider who coordinates all the resources required along the path towards self-employment • Poor integration of services – quite fragmented and compartmentalized • Service sector is in silos. Self-employment providers may act as a connector to bring people together • Competition and duplication in the service sector • Over-dependency on government for funding creates a problem of local determination where agenda is set by external agencies • Funding needs to cover the real costs of participating in training / employment programs including the costs for specialized hardware and software • Lack of peer interaction, compounded by the lack of venues or facilities to network between people with disabilities • Assets – need to look more at individuals and their networks to succeed (family, friends, peers, mentors, etc.), not just service providers. The SEDI / OLT program needs to change its focus to accommodate this • Rural issues compound disability issues. Isolation, fragmentation, reduction is services, accessibility, etc. • Self-employment funding is usually tied to targets – flexibility is needed 30 Appendix E. Asset Maps Halifax and Southern Nova Scotia Asset Map 31 Moncton, New Brunswick Asset Map 32 Barrie, Ontario Asset Map 33 Bonnyville & Cold Lake Asset map 34 Nelson Asset Map 35 Appendix F. Identified Learning Assets Halifax and Province of Nova Scotia Abilities Foundation of Nova Scotia Acadia Centre for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (ACSBE) Accessible Transportation Assistance Plan (ATAP) Altantic Canada Opportunities Agengy (ACOA) Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Society of NS Annapolis Ventures Ltd. Andrew Peacock Fund Bedford Human Resource Centre of Canada Annapolis County Alternative Transportation Bedford Public Library Annapolis Valley Work Activity Society Bedford-Sackville Literacy Network Arthritis Society of Nova Scotia Black Business Initiative Society Asthma Foundation of Nova Scotia Business Development Bank of Canada Atlantic Center of Support for Disabled Students Canada / Nova Scotia Business Centre Brain Injury Association of Nova Scotia Captain William Spry Public Library Canadian Association for Community Living Career Connections Canadian Association for Community Living CBDC Bue Water Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Centre for Entrepreneurship Education & Development (CEED) Canadian Diabetes Association Centre for Women in Business Canadian Mental Health Association Annapolis Chapter Coastal Business Opportunities Incorporated Canadian mental Health Association Dartmouth Branch Cole Harbour Public Library Canadian National Institute for the Blind Community ACCESS-Ability Canadian Paraplegic Association Community Business Development Corporation Cape Breton Cerebral Palsy Association Cumberland Development Corporation Capital Health Vocational Counselling Services Dalhousie University Accessibility Service Central Partnership on Disability Issues Society Dartmouth Human Resource Centre of Canada Clare Mental Health Services Dartmouth Literacy Network/ Woodlawn P.L. Clare Organization Representing Persons with Disabilities Dartmouth North Community Centre Community Transportation Assistance Program (CTAP) Dartmouth North Public Library Cornway Workshop Association Dartmouth Work Activity Society Cumberland African Nova Scotian Association Digby-Clare Business Development Centre DALA - Digby Area Learning Association Guysborough County Community Business Development Corporation Limited Deaf Literacy Nova Scotia Association Hants-Kings Business Development Centre Limited 36 Digby Disabilities Partnership Committee Inrich Business Development Centre Limited Digby Mental Health Association Lunenburg Queens Regional Development Agency employAbility Partnership Native Council of Nova Scotia Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Network Epilepsy Association of Nova Scotia Halifax Regional Cerebral Palsy Association Hants County Community Access Network Heart & Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia Independent Living Resource Centre Inverness-Richmond Society for Person with Disabilities Kings Regional Rehabilitation Centre LakeCity Employment Services Association Learning Disabilities Association of Nova Scotia Northern Opportunities for Business Ltd. Northside Economic Development Assistance Corporation Nova Scotia Association of Community Business Development Corporations (CBDC) Nova Scotia Association of Regional Development Authorities (RDA) Nova Scotia Business Inc. Nova Scotia Department of Community Services (Central Regional Office) Nova Scotia Department of Community Services (Eastern Regional Office) Nova Scotia Department of Community Services (Head Office) Nova Scotia Department of Community Services (Northern Regional Office) Nova Scotia Department of Community Services (Western Regional Office) Let Abilities Work Partnership Society Nova Scotia Department of Education Lunenburg / Queens Action Council for People with Disabilities Shelburne County Business Development Center Limited Lupas Society of Nova Scotia South Shore Opportunities CBDC Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia St. Mary's University Multiple Sclerosis Society, Atlantic Division Eastern Shore-Musq. Valley Literacy Network Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC) Future Worx Job Search Centre New Leaf Enterprises FutureWorx Nova Scotia Disabled Persons Commission Halifax Community Learning Network Nova Scotia Environmental Health Clinic Halifax Human Resource Centre of Canada Nova Scotia Hearing and Speech Centers Halifax Immigrant Learning Centre Nova Scotia Hearing and Speech Centers Nova Scotia Community College Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission Kentville Human Resources Centre of Canada Nova Scotia League for Equal Opportunities Digby Human Resources Centre of Canada Nova Scotia Rehabilitation Centre Clare Employment Services Parkinson Society Canada - Maritime Region Nova Scotia Community College - Annapolis Valley Campus ReachAbility Mount Saint Vincent Universtiy Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia St Francis Xavier Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus Association University of King's College TEAM Work Cooperative Cape Breton University 37 Teamworks Cooperative Limited Wilfred Oram Centennial Library Tetra Society of Halifax Advocate Harbour Library The Nova Scotia Leauge for Equal Opportunities (NSLEO) Alderney Gate Public Library IT Learning Centre The Revolving Door Training Centre Annapolis CAP Site - Abbapolis Royal Library Valley Disability Partnership Society Annapolis Valley Work Centre CAP Site West Nova Persons with Disabilities Antigonish Library Windsor People First Planning Office Assistive Technology Centre / Technical Resource Centre (TRC) Windsor CAP Site Atlantic View Elementary School C@P Site Windsor CAP Site - Computer Literacy on the Move Baddeck Public Library Wolfville CAP Site Barrington Municipal Library Woodlawn Public Library Beaver Bank-RCMP Commnity Office C@P Site WW Lewis Memorial Library Bedford Public Library Parrsboro Library Berwick Library CAP Site Petit de Grat Branch Library Bridegewater Community Access Program Pictou Library Bridgetown Computer Access Port Hawkesbury Branch Library Bridgewater Library Port Medway CAP Site Canso Branch Library Port Williams CAP Site - Murdoch C Smith Memorial Library Captain William Spry Public Library Public Archives of Nova Scotia C@P Site Career Resource Centre Pubnico Branch Library Centre for Diverse Visible Cultures Pugwash Library Chezzetcook & Seaforth C@P Site River Hebert Library Clark's Harbour Branch Library River John Library & Innovation Centre Colchester - East Hant Public Library Rosa M. Harvey Middleton & Area Library Cole Harbour C@P Site Sackville Public Library Cole Harbour Public Library Scots Bay CAP Site Cornwallis CAP Site Sheet Harbour Area Resource Centre Cumberland Economic Resource Centre - CAP Site Sheet Harbour Public Libarary Cyril Ward Memorial Sherbrooke Branch Library Dartmouth North Community Centre South Shore Regional Library Dartmouth North Public Library Southwest Hants CAP Site - Vaughan Dominion Public Library Spring Garden Road Public Library Donkin Public Library 38 Springhill Library Dr. Frank W. Morse Memorial Library St. Mark's/ Ward 5 C@P Site Dr. Robert Miller Memorial Library St. Paul's Family Resource Centre Drs. Coady & Tompkins Memorial Library Stellarton Library Elmsdale Library Stewiacke Library Florance Public Libarary Summerville - Hants Shore CAP Site Four Fathers Memorial Library Tantallon Public Library Gibson Woods Community Centre CAP Site Tatamagouche Library Grace Bay Public Library Tompkins Memorial Library Greenwood CAP Site - Ecole RC Gordon Trenton Library Halifax North Public Library Upper Musquodoboit & Area C@P Site Hall's Harbour - Historical Society CAP Site Veith House Hantsport CAP Site - Hantsport Public Library Victoria North Regional Brnach Library Hubbards Tantallon C@P Site Waverley Village Hall Inverness C@P Site West End Community Access Program Isaiah W. Wilson Memorial Library Westport Branch Library Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Library Westville Library & Innovation Centre James McConnell Memorial Library Weymouth Branch Library JD Shatford Memorial Library C@P Site Milford CAP Site Kentville CAP Site - Kentville Library Moser River C@P Site Keshen Goodman Library IT Learning Centre Mount Uniacke Library Kingsport CAP Site Mulgrave Branch Library Kingston Library CAP Site Musquodoboit Harbour Public Library Lake Echo C@P Site New Glasgow Library Lillian Benham Library New Waterford Public Library Liverpool C@P Site North Preston C@P Site Lorldy House C@P Site Opportunity Place Lunenburg Library Oxford Library Main-a-Dieu Library Meteghan C@P Site Martha Hollett Memorial Library Mi'kmaq Native Friendship Centre McKay Memorial Library 39 Moncton and Province of New Brunswick Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Society Gerald V. La Forest Law Library Arthritis Society Mount Allison University Libraries and Archives Asthma Foundation - Lung Association New Brunswick Public Libraries Foundation Brain Injury Association UNB Fredericton - Harriet Irving, Science & Forestry, and Engineering Libraries Canadian Association for Community Living UNB Saint John - Ward Chipman Library Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Andrew and Laura McCain Public Library (Florenceville) Canadian Deaf and Hard of Hearing Association Atholville Public Library Canadian Diabetes Association Bas-Caraquet Public Library Canadian Mental Health Association Boiestown Community-School Library Canadian National Institute for the Blind Bibliothèque publique de Grand-Sault Canadian Paraplegic Association Campbellton Centennial Library Cerebral Palsy Association Campobello Public Library Epilepsy Association Chatham Public Library (Miramichi) Heart & Stroke Foundation Chipman Public Library Learning Disabilities Association Dalhousie Centennial Library Lupas Society Dieppe Public Library Mental Health Foundation Doaktown Community School Library Multiple Sclerosis Society Dorchester Public Library Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC) Dr-Marguerite-Michaud Library (Fredericton) Parkinson Society Canada Dr. Walter Chestnut Public Library (Hartland) Schizophrenia Society Fredericton Public Library Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus Association (Canada) Gérald Leblanc Public Library Alternative Res A (ARA?) Grand Manan Library MacDonald Centre Harvey Community Library APSEA Hiilsborough Public Library CPA Kedgwick Public Library NBACL Kennebecasis Public Library Stan Cassidies Lamèque Public Library Head Start Le Cormoran Library (Saint John) Mental Health McAdam Public Library 40 CCRW Memramcook Public Library YMCA Minto Public Library Boys & Girls Clubs Médiathèque Père-Louis-Lamontagne (Miramichi) John Howard Mgr-Robichaud Public Library (Beresford) SEDS Mgr. Paquet Public Library (Caraquet) Atelier de L'Artisant Mgr. W.J. Conway Public Library (Edmundston) FCS Moncton Public Library Salvation Army Nashwaaksis Public-School Library (Fredericton) Enterprise Greater Moncton Newcastle Public Library METS Nackawic Public-School Library BUILT Network Oromocto Public Library Centre du Four Perth-Andover Public Library Finding the Way - Support for Single Parents Petit-Rocher Public Library Work Ability Petitcodiac Public Library Canadian Innovation Centre Paster Rock Public-School Library Canadian Job bank (Governement of Canada) Port Elgin Public Library Canadian Youth Connection Richibucto Public Library Monster - job search Riverview Public Library New Brunswick Post-Secondary Education and Training Sackville Public Library Office of Human Resources Saint-Antoine Public Library Service Canada - Fredericton Centre (Saint-François-de-Madawaska) Mgr. Plourde Public Library Working Canada.com - Atlantic region Saint John Free Public Library Community Business Development Corporation Peninsule acadienne Saint John Free Public Library East Branch Community Business Development Corporation Chaleur Saint John Free Public Library West Branch Community Business Development Corporation Kent (Saint-Léonard) Dr. Lorne J. Violette Public Library Community Business Development Corporation Madawaska (Saint-Quentin) La Moisson Public Library Community Business Development Corporation Restigouche Salisbury Public Library Community Business Development Corporation Southwest Shediac Public Library Community Business Development Corporation Victoria Madawaska - South Shippagan Public Library Community Business Development Corporation Northumberland Smurfit-Stone Public Library (Bathurst) Community Business Development Corporation Westmorland Albert (St. Andrews) Ross Memorial Library Community Business Development Corporation Charlotte / Kings St. Croix Public Library (St. Stephen) 41 CAC Sainte-Anne Stanley Community Library Connect NB Branche Sussex Regional Library Doone Wilson Community Access Cnetre Tracadie-Sheila Public Library Fredericton TMCA Community Access Centre (Woodstock) L. P. Fisher Public Library Hawkins-Neville Community Access Centre Newcomer Access Centre – Multicultural Center Information Technology Center Science East Liverpool Technology Centre South West Miramichi Community Access Centre Mighty Miramichi Online Community Stepping Stone Community Access Centre Nashwaaksis Community Center Barrie & South Simcoe Region, Ontario Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Society Adecco Employment Services Limited Arthritis Society Bradford and District Chamber of Commerce Asthma Foundation - Lung Association Brantford Employment Services Brain Injury Association Brock Youth Resource Centre Breaking Down Barriers, Independent Living Centre Business Enterprise Resource Network of BarrieSouth Simcoe Inc Canadian Association for Community Living Canadian Innovation Centre Canadian Cancer Society. Ontario Division. Muskoka-North Simcoe Unit. Canadian Job bank Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Canadian Youth Connection Canadian Diabetes Association Career Access Centre Canadian Hard of Hearing Association Career Centre [The]. Bayfield St Canadian Mental Health Association - Bradford Community Support Services Career Centre Collier St Canadian Mental Health Association - Barrie-Simcoe Branch Career Essential Inc Barrie Canadian National Institute for the Blind Career Management Services Canadian Paraplegic Association County of Simcoe Administration Centre Cerebral Palsy Association Employment Resource Centre Barrie Community Living Association for South Simcoe Employment Resource Centre Alliston Community Living Huronia Employment Resource Centre Penetanguishene Epilepsy Association Employment Resource Centre. Essa-Borden E3 Community Services Inc Employment Resource Centre. Orillia Office Heart & Stroke Foundation Georgian College Business and Career Services Midland 42 Learning Disabilities Association Goodwill Industries, Barrie South Centre Lupas Society Human Resource Centre of Canada Barrie Office Mental Health Centre Penetanguishene Huntsville Employment Resource Centre Mental Health Foundation Huronia Hearing Impaired - Employment Services Ministry of Community and Social Services. Central East Region. Barrie Office Ministry of Community and Social Services - Ontario Disability Support Program Huronia Works Employment Services James N. Allan Campus Multiple Sclerosis Society Metis Nation Of Ontario Training Initiatives Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC) Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Parkinson Society Canada Monster - job search Schizophrenia Society Nottawasaga Futures Schneider Centre for Learning disABILITIES Corp Ontario Works - Simcoe County office Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit - Barrie Orillia Area Community Development Corporation Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit - Collingwood Simcoe Community Services. Barrie Head Office Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit - Cookstown Simcoe County Region iWIN Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit - Midland Simcoe County Training Board Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit - Orillia Simcoe Service Canada Centre Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit - Gravenhurst The Learning Centres - Alliston Campus Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit - Huntsville The Learning Centres - Barrie Campus Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus Association The Learning Centres - Bradford Campus Wendat Community Psychiatric Support Programs The Learning Centres - Collingwood Campus Women in Network Growing Strong (WINGS) The Learning Centres - Midland Campus Wilson Centre The Learning Centres - Orillia Campus Wendat Community Psychiatric Support Programs Service Canada – Collingwood Office Tracks – Employment and Resource Serves (of Georgian Bay Area) Centre for Business & Economic Development Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle Employment Resource Centre. Barrie. 231 Bayview Dr Location Base Borden and Military Library Georgian College Business and Career Services Midland Clearview Public Library Georgian College - Orillia Campus Coldwater Memorial Public Library Canada's Community Access Program - Information Tecnology Collingwood Public Library James N. Allan Campus Essa Centennial Public Library Norfolk County Public Library-Simcoe Branch Innisfil Public Library Simcoe Community Access Network ( SCAN ) Midland Public Library Bradford-West Gwillimbury Public Library 43 Simcoe Community Career Resource Centre NEW TECUMSETH PUBLIC LIBRARY Tiny Township. Community Access Program. Perkinsfield Penetanguishene Public Library Tay Township. Public Library. Victoria Harbour Branch Ramara Township Public Library Wasaga Beach Public Library Springwater Township Public Library Brandford and District Chamber of Commerce Tay Township Public Library – Waubaushene Branch Bonnyville & Cold Lake, Alberta Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Society Portage College Arthritis Society FCSS (Bonnyville & Cold Lake) Asthma Foundation - Lung Association Dove Centre (Bonnyville) Brain Injury Association Community Options (Cold Lake) Canadian Association for Community Living Metis Nation of Alberta (MNA) Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation employabilities Canadian Diabetes Association Work Ink Alberta Canadian mental Health Association Cold Lake community Learning Canadian National Institute for the Blind Global Information Brokers (SE Program) Canadian Paraplegic Association Apeetoogason Cerebral Palsy Association FASD Clinic Epilepsy Association Health Units (Aids to Daily Living Program) Heart & Stroke Foundation Residential Living for adults with brain injuries (Moon Abbri) Learning Disabilities Association People First Lupas Society Lakeland Community Development Corporation (LCDC) Mental Health Foundation Library (Bonnyville & Cold Lake) Multiple Sclerosis Society Interagency Group (Bonnyville & Cold Lake) Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC) Community Council Parkinson Society Canada Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) Schizophrenia Society AHRE (income support) Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus Association Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) Youth Connections Self Advocacy Group Provincial Territorial & People First of Canada (Winnipeg) Alberta Learning Information Service Alberta Brain Injury Association Alberta Job Corps Alberta Mental Health 44 Alberta Works Aspen Health Region Bonnyville Career Development Centre Alberta Association for Community Living Canadian Innovation Centre Heather Rhymutt (AHRE) Employment Services Canadian Job bank Canadian Native Friendship Centre (Bonnyville & Cold Lake) Canadian Youth Connection Medley Family Resource Centre (MFRC) Careers in Motion Alberta Alcohol Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC) Ministry of Human Resources and Employment Canadian Association for Community Living Monster - job search William J. Stemischuch (WJS) – for profit corporation providing employment support to PWD funded by PDD Service Canada Catholic Social Services (CSS) ACFA Bonnyville – Cold Lake Nelson & West Kootenay, British Columbia Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Society Ashland Training Centre Arthritis Society Beaver Valley Youth Centre Asthma Foundation - Lung Association Canadian Innovation Centre Brain Injury Association Canadian Job bank Canadian Association for Community Living Canadian Youth Connection Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Community Futures Development Corporation of Central Kootenay Canadian Diabetes Association Greater Trail Community Skills Centre Canadian mental Health Association Kootenay Career Development Society - Building Futures Canadian National Institute for the Blind Kootenay Employment Services Canadian Paraplegic Association The Station Youth Centre – Youth Employment Services Cerebral Palsy Association Monster - job search Epilepsy Association Nelson District Community Resources Society Heart & Stroke Foundation Nelson & District Youth Centre Learning Disabilities Association Rory Lindsay & Associates Learning Disabilities Association of British Columbia - Nelson Chapter Service Canada - Nelson Centre Lupas Society Small Business BC Mental Health Foundation Student Employment Centre 45 Multiple Sclerosis Society Women's Enterprise Centre Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC) Youth Employment Resource Centre Parkinson Society Canada AFKONet - Schizophrenia Society Brent Kennedy Elementary School Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus Association Canada's Community Access Program - Information Tecnology Academy of Learning Canyon / Lister School College of the Rockies Castlegar Station Museum (Heritage Society) Kootenay Community Resource Directory Crawford Bay Elementary-Secondary School Kootenay School of the Arts Edgewood Community Internet Society Kutenai Art Therapy Institute Erickson Elementary School Selkirk College - Castlegar Campus J&S Snacks, Surf and Suds - Business or Commerce Centre Selkirk College - Kaslo Campus Lardeau Valley Community Hall Selkirk College - Nakusp Campus Mount Sentinal School Selkirk College - Nelson Silver King Campus Robson Community School Selkirk College - Nelson Tenth Street Campus Rossland Chamber of Commerce Selkirk College - Trail Campus W.E. Graham Community Services - School Kaslo and District Public Library Yahk Elementary School Nelson Municipal Library Beaver Valley Public Library Rossland Public Library Castlegar and District Public Library Salmo Public Library Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy - Nakusp Public Library Trail & District Public Library Creston Public Library Academy of Classical Oriental Sciences Connected Communities David Thompson Library Earth & Sky Fabric Design Connected Communities Human Resources Development Canada Earth & Sky Fabric Design Interior Health Authority Local 480 Union Kootenay Career Development Society Ministry of Human Resources Kootenay Employment Services Nelson and District Credit Union Kootenay Credit Union LV Rogers Nelson and District Chamber of Commerce Castlegar and District Chamber of Commerce Creston and Area Chamber of Commerce 46 Appendix G. Summary of Relevant Research Basic Information on People with Disabilities • Total Canadian population is 28,793,770; total Canadian population with disabilities is 3,601,270; national disability rate is 12.4% (Statistics on Persons with Disabilities, 2002) • Of PWD population: 817,000 are employed; 97,900 are unemployed; 964,700 are not in the labour force; 88,890 are unspecified (Statistics on Persons with Disabilities, 2002) • 12% of Persons with Disabilities are unemployed (Canadian Centre on Disability Studies, 2002) • The employment rate for persons with disabilities aged 16 to 64 increased by 5% between 1999 and 2002. (Advancing the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, 2004) • Incidence and severity of disability increases with age. (Wright, 2001) • Majority of Canadians with disabilities (90% of those under 35) describe their conditions as mild to moderate. (Wright, 2001) • Among working-age adults with disabilities (aged 15 to 64), over one third have less than a high-school education, compared to one quarter of those without disabilities. (Advancing the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, 2004) • About one in ten working-age adults with disabilities has a university degree, compared to one in five without disabilities. (Advancing the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, 2004) • Aboriginal people with disabilities have a lower rate of post-secondary completion than other Canadians with disabilities. (Advancing the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, 2004) • Aboriginal adults with disabilities are almost twice as likely to be out of the workforce as Aboriginal adults without disabilities. (Advancing the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, 2004) • Many working-age adults with disabilities who are unemployed or out of the workforce have the potential to work if they have access to the necessary supports. (Advancing the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, 2004) • On average, people with disabilities earn an hourly wage nearly equal to (about 96% of) the wage of those without disabilities. (Advancing the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, 2004) • 2000 Average total income for Canadians with disabilities $22,228; for Canadians without disabilities $30,814 (Statistics on Persons with Disabilities, 2002) • According to 1991 Health and Activity Limitation Survey, 2.3 million Canadians aged 15-64 reported some level of disability. Almost 1 in 10 employed Canadians (more than 1 million) are persons with disabilities. (Canadian Centre on Disabilities Studies, 2002) Learning and Employment Considerations for People with Disabilities • With most PWD (85%) reporting some limitation at work, less than 20% require any form of accommodation, and the vast majority of those require one or two supports at most. (Wright, 2001) • The On Line In Business At Home (OLIBAH) program provided 20 PWD with entrepreneurship training online, including additional supports7. Lessons learned included: those who had computers at home were more successful, if program fees are not waived the program becomes out of reach for many individuals, and varying levels of computer literacy proved challenging. (HRDC, 1999) • Whether learning technologies are concerned with developing new skills for the workplace, improving basic literacy, or enabling learners to communicate their ideas, Canadian initiatives for PWD indicate areas that have the potential to enhance the learning process. 7 local facilitator recruited participants and assisted with technology and other support challenges, online business mentor hosted the broadcast component of the Entrepreneurship 12 course (including phone-in question and answer session & email correspondence), a web conferencing group enabling participants to read and post messages on the Internet, and an Open Learning Agency coordinator, field consultant, and project team managed communications with sites and developed support materials. (program is no longer running) 47 • • • • • • • These factors include: adapting programs to meet individual needs, training the trainers, solving access issues, and enabling individuals to express and share their ideas. (HRDC, 1999) A sample review of 12 OLT (Office of Learning Technologies) partners who were not specifically targeting people with disabilities indicates that little or no consideration is being given to accessibility among this group (Fricke, 2002) Challenges for PWD working from home include: isolation, maintaining healthy work / family boundaries, and issues of security and confidentiality. (Canadian Centre on Disabilities Studies, 2002) Factors influencing success in job search for PWD include: work experience, severity of disability, disability benefits, worker attitudes, and employer attitudes. (Canadian Centre on Disabilities Studies, 2002) Factors influencing the gap between unemployment and work include: the desire to work, workplace accommodation, service delivery effectiveness, skills and experience, job search, and golden handcuffs (disability benefits creating disincentive) (Canadian Centre on Disabilities Studies, 2002) Cost and accessibility are the two main barriers preventing PWD from getting the personal supports they need (Advancing the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, 2004) Many individuals with disabilities need one or more types of support to participate fully in education. Technical aids and human support are the school supports needed by most students with disabilities. (Advancing the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, 2004) Transportation still presents challenges for many PWD. Their ability to travel often depends on the accessibility of transportation systems. (Advancing the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, 2004) Relevancy of Training for People with Disabilities • In terms of skills and experience as influencing a gap between unemployment and work, research suggests that training may not always be appropriate, and work experience is often lacking. As such, PWD need to ensure training is employer-needs driven and seeks to gain work experience whenever possible. (Canadian Centre on Disabilities Studies, 2002) • Work-related training for PWD must be practical and focused on the job. Research suggests that closer links are required between counsellors and training providers, and the employers who face skills shortages. The most effective training will directly involve employers, be comprehensive, and focus on skills shortage areas. (Canadian Centre on Disabilities Studies, 2002) • Service provider / employer partnerships are a very effective means of providing employment opportunities to PWD. Key finding is the disconnect between employers, PWD, and service providers. (Canadian Centre on Disabilities Studies, 2002) Other Populations Experiencing Barriers to Employment • 12.7% of new immigrants are unemployed (Lochhead, 2003) • 19% of Aboriginal Canadians are unemployed (Mendelson, 2004) • 8.7% of rural / remote Canadians are unemployed (Rural Secretariat, 2001) • 13.8% of youth are unemployed (Statistics Canada, 2005) 48