- 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)
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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
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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)
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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
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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
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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)
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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
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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
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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
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• 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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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