A new online tool is being developed to help people with developmental disabilities prepare for work and break down barriers to employment, thanks to more than $153,000 in provincial Research and Innovation funding.

The BC Centre for Employment Excellence is receiving the funding for an online mapping tool that will feature the sharing of employment stories and experiences of individuals with developmental disabilities. This will help other job seekers best prepare for employment and address any barriers they may experience in getting or keeping a job.

The 74-week project ends in March 2015.

October is Community Living Month, a time to recognize the many contributions that people with developmental disabilities make to their communities year-round. The project has also received $25,000 in funding from Community Living British Columbia (CLBC).

Research and Innovation is part of the Employment Program of BC’s Community and Employer Partnerships, which fund projects that increase employability and share labour market information.

Quotes:

Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation Don McRae -

“Research and Innovation provides us with new and better ways of getting people into the workforce or back to work. I’m thrilled that the BC Centre for Employment Excellence is developing a mapping tool that will allow people with developmental disabilities and their families get easier access to information that will help them find and keep a job.”

Community Living BC CEO Seonag Macrae -

“Through the Community Action Employment Plan, CLBC and its community partners are working together to further the goal of increasing employment for the adults CLBC supports. This project is quite exciting as it allows us to engage with new partners, build community capacity and deliver information in new ways. I look forward to seeing the milestones and the outcomes of this work as it progresses.”

BC Centre for Employment Excellence managing director Susanna Lui Gurr -

“The Centre and its partners at UBC are excited about the opportunities that this will offer self-advocates to have a positive impact by sharing important stories with people across the province about their experiences in the workforce. Sharing and learning about finding and keeping employment that is paid, positive and inclusive are important factors to ensure accessible and inclusive workplaces for individuals with developmental disabilities.”

Quick Facts:

• The BC Employment Mapping Tool is being designed to be used for employment and community living service providers, employers, individuals with developmental disabilities, their families and policy makers.
• In 2014/15, the ministry has committed to investing $331 million in employment and labour market programs under the Employment Program of BC.
• The Employment Program of BC is funded by the Province of British Columbia as well as the Government of Canada through the Labour Market Development Agreement.
• Funding supports 85 WorkBC Employment Services Centres throughout the province and the four components of the Community and Employer Partnerships fund:
  • Job Creation Partnerships
  • Labour Market Partnerships
  • Project-Based Labour Market Training
  • Research and Innovation
• The Community and Employer Partnerships program is featured in B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint that helps align training and education with in-demand jobs and provides more support to people who are struggling to gain a foothold in the job market or who face unique challenges.

Who is eligible?

• Businesses
• Non-profit organizations
• Crown corporations
• Municipalities, agencies or territorial governments
• Bands/tribal councils
• Public health and educational institutions

Learn More:

For more information on Community and Employer Partnerships: www.workbc.ca/CEP

To find a local WorkBC Employment Services Centre: www.workbccentres.ca

To learn more about the Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation: www.gov.bc.ca/sdsi

Media Contacts:

Grant Kerr
Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation
250 387-5635