Searching for Disabilities Employment Programs

Program assists people with disabilities in finding sustainable, competitive employment or to helping to realize self-employment. A person does not need to be in receipt of ODSP in order to be eligible for Employment Supports.
Employment Supports Include:

• job preparation and job search assistance
• employment and training start-up benefit
• child care costs
• work related benefit
• transitional health benefit
• employment transition benefit

Transition Child Benefit is available for those not receiving the Ontario Child Benefit or the Canada Child Benefit.
Contact or visit the website for more details about ODSP benefits.

Due to Covid-19 there is currently no in-person programming. Staff are connecting with clients and employers via telephone, Zoom, email and Facebook.

Program assists persons with disabilities to prepare for, obtain and maintain employment. It focuses on the needs of each person to develop skills to improve their employability through one-on-one and group coaching at YWCA Hamilton and work placement through workplace experience.

Offers employment services to people with disabilities.
Services include:

• employment needs assessment
• career planning
• employment counselling
• job search skills training
• job placement services
• assessments of disability related accommodations
• case management and follow-up

Also offers employee recruiting services to businesses. These services include:

• space for job fairs and interviews
• access to post job opportunities on PATH's job board
• support once job placements are filled

Programs are funded in part by the government of Canada and the government of Ontario.

Employment resources and coaching to help people with disabilities to find sustainable employment in Ontario:

• assessment of skills, interests and abilities
• match candidates and employers and provide retention supports
• job search strategies and support, including resume development and interview preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment opportunities
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

Better Jobs Ontario -- skills training and financial support for laid-off workers

Services for employers -- help in identifying human resource skills requirements

• matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience
• support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention

Provides real work experience to individuals with barriers by offering services such as shredding, scanning, mailing preparation, light assembly and packaging to local businesses.

Employment resources and coaching to help people with disabilities to find sustainable employment in Ontario:

• comprehensive employment and job search services
• assessment of skills, interests and abilities
• match candidates and employers and provide retention supports
• job search strategies and support, including resume development and interview preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment opportunities
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

Better Jobs Ontario -- skills training and financial support for laid-off workers

Services for employers -- help in identifying human resource skills requirements

• matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience
• support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention

Canada-Ontario Job Grant -- financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees

• available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees

Employment resources and coaching to help people with disabilities to find sustainable employment in Ontario:

• assessment of skills, interests and abilities
• match candidates and employers and provide retention supports
• job search strategies and support, including resume development and interview preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment opportunities
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

Better Jobs Ontario -- skills training and financial support for laid-off workers

Services for employers -- help in identifying human resource skills requirements

• matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience
• support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention

Canada-Ontario Job Grant -- financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees

• available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees

OntarioEquine Education and Employment Program -- a Skills Development Fund project,delivered in partnership with Ontario Harness Horse Association and EquineGuelph, begin an exciting career in the equine industry.

• 6-week virtual equine training course
• Learn from industry experts
• Discover difference careers working with horses
• Work experience opportunity after completion of equine training course

Employment resources and coaching to help people with disabilities to find sustainable employment in Ontario:

• assessment of skills, interests and abilities
• match candidates and employers and provide retention supports
• job search strategies and support, including resume development and interview preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment opportunities
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

Better Jobs Ontario​ -- skills training and financial support for laid-off workers

Services for employers -- help in identifying human resource skills requirements

• matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience
• support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention

Canada-Ontario Job Grant -- financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees

• available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees

Employment resources and coaching to help people with disabilities to find sustainable employment in Ontario:

• comprehensive employment and job search services
• assessment of skills, interests and abilities
• match candidates and employers and provide retention supports
• job search strategies and support, including resume development and interview preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment opportunities
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

Better Jobs Ontario -- skills training and financial support for laid-off workers

Services for employers -- help in identifying human resource skills requirements

• matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience
• support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention

Canada-Ontario Job Grant -- financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees

• available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees

Employment resources and coaching to help people with disabilities to find sustainable employment in Ontario:

• assessment of skills, interests and abilities
• match candidates and employers and provide retention supports
• job search strategies and support, including resume development and interview preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment opportunities
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

Better Jobs Ontario -- skills training and financial support for laid-off workers

Services for employers -- help in identifying human resource skills requirements

• matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience
• support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention

A program that focuses on skill building, pre-employment opportunities and literacy skills, providing meaningful day supports to adults with developmental disabilities. Pre-Employment program training includes assisting individuals to identify job skills and interests, resume writing, interview skills, job search and some job coaching.

Services offered to individuals who have a developmental disability, include:

• residential support includes group homes and a supported independent living program
• LifeShare Program provides alternative living arrangements for children and adults who have a developmental disability
• Employment Services includes employment planning, supports coordination, job training, placement and maintenance, and travel route training
• Day Programs teach participants skills they need to enrich their quality of life and provide inclusive recreational activities
• Children's Inclusion Services provide resource support to children who have a developmental disability attending preschools or daycare centres
• Respite program provides after school or evening care in a safe and caring environment for individuals with a developmental disability allowing parents and caregivers an interval of rest from their busy schedules

Offers employment supports for people with disabilities who want to work in competitive part-time and full-time employment

• matches clients to jobs geared to their interests or long-term goals
• offers retention services to employers in Halton Region

Career Consultation services:

• assess individual's needs and match them with correct resources and support
• provide case management
• help to identify and analyze an individual's skills
• help to select an appropriate employment path

Job Preparation programs include:

• work adjustment training
• work hardening
• help to develop and improve skills
• improve performance and enhance employability

Job Placement services include:

• job development services
• job coaching/management
• help individuals find and adjust to their new positions in the workforce

Program offers financial assistance to help individual/family with essential living expenses

• benefits, for individual/family, including prescription drugs and vision care
• help finding and keeping a job, and with career advancement

Program offers two types of support:

Income Support: financial assistance provided each month to help with the costs of basic needs, like food, clothing and shelter

• also includes benefits for clients and their eligible family members
• health benefits (prescription drug coverage, dental coverage, vision care, medical supplies, medical transportation, pregnancy and breastfeeding nutritional allowance, extended health benefit)
• disability-related benefits (assistive devices, additional help for hearing aids and mobility devices, guide dog benefit)
• employment incentives and benefits (employment and training start up benefit, coverage for up-front child care costs, work-related benefit, transitional health benefit, employment transition benefit)
• transition child benefit

Employment Supports: services and supports to help clients with disabilities find and keep a job, and advance their careers

Interactive Voice Response (IVR) automated information and payment details, file status 1-800-808-2268 (service not available to TTY users), Mon-Fri 8 am-9 pm, Sat-Sun 12 noon-5 pm

Welfare Fraud Hotline to report suspected cases of social assistance fraud 1-800-394-7867 or welfare.fraud.css@ontario.ca

Comprehensive employment and job search services

• assessment of skills, interests and experience
• job search strategies, including resume preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment and training opportunities
• on-the-job training, work experience, help in maintaining employment as well as information and referral to other employment and community services

Better Jobs Ontario
Skills training and financial support for laid off workers

• training program must demonstrate good job prospects
• financial support based on need, may include tuition, instructional costs, books, transportation and/or a basic living allowance

Services for employers

• help in identifying human resource skills requirements, matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience
• support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention

Canada-Ontario Job Grant

• financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees
• available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees

Major services:

• job placement for persons with physical, mental health and developmental disabilities
• employment plans that outline the steps to reach a job goal
• job coaches who focus on keeping the job
• self-employment mentoring to test feasibility of new ideas

Partners with Ontario Disability Supports Program (ODSP), Employment Ontario (EO), Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), Centre for Skills Development, YMCA and Sheridan College on employment initiatives for people with disabilities

Comprehensive employment and job search services

• assessment of skills, interests and experience
• job search strategies, including resume preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment and training opportunities
• on-the-job training, work experience, help in maintaining employment as well as information and referral to other employment and community services

Better Jobs Ontario
Skills training and financial support for laid-off workers

• training program must demonstrate good job prospects
• financial support based on need, may include tuition, instructional costs, books, transportation and/or a basic living allowance

Services for employers

• help in identifying human resource skills requirements, matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience
• support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention

COVID-19 - The following programs are closed due to reported risk of exposure:
The Hub - Beamsville
CD Hopkins Day Program - Beamsville
All Hands In/Well Preserved - Grimsby
41 Livingston - all programming - Grimsby
191 South Service Road - Day Program - Grimsby
191 South Service Road - Admin Offices - Grimsby

Provides support to both children and adults living with a developmental disability and their families. Services include residential options, employment support, day programs, family support, recreation and leisure activities and respite.

Offers a number of Community Day Service locations throughout Oakville * the goal of each location is to provide an array of opportunities for each person to participate in meaningful day time, educational, leisure and social opportunities


Innovations:

• a person centered option, where prospects are based on personal interests and interests of the group
• features a strong community focus, allowing people to partake in social, recreational and volunteer opportunities within their community
• offers a variety of activities where people choose what they want to participate in such as the computer lab, arts room, music room, current events room or meditation room * each area assists people to engage in creative forms of learning amongst their peers
• offered Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm

STEPP (Skills Training to Enable Personal Progress):

• offered to people who wish to develop skills and build relationships with others
• participants have the ability to explore their talents while enhancing their literacy, numeracy and various skills of interest
• also offers recreational opportunities, community engagement and volunteering and a strong focus on healthy living and personal growth
• offered Mon-Fri, 9am-3pm

Summer Respite

• provides a safe and caring environment for children and young adults between the ages of 5 and 21
• activities include games, Snoezelen room, community events, parks, music, sports, arts and crafts and life skills
• contact Neil Rogers at 289-795-5130

Provides a range of support services to children, youth and adults who have developmental disabilities and their families

Community Day Services:

• XCEL: offer a variety of activities, creating exciting opportunities for people to develop their skills while building relationships with others * offered Mon-Fri, 8:30am-4pm * contact Julie Bisbicos, Day Services Manager at 905-464-5838

Residential Services

• supported independent living: offers varying amounts of support to people where they live based on their individual needs
• 24 hour support: provides support for up to 5 people residing in a group living setting

Employment services:

• helps individuals to find/maintain employment in the community
• job coaches work with the person and employer to achieve successful employment in the Oakville area
• job coaches also provide support for a volunteer/work experience, work training and/or situational assessment

Summer Respite:

• provides a safe and caring environment for children and young adults between the ages of 5 to 21
• activities include games, music, sports, arts and crafts and life skills
• contact Neil Rogers, 289-795-5130

Senior Connections:

• funded by New Horizons Seniors Program
• offers adults 55+ the opportunity to attend recreation and leisure activities that promote health and wellness and foster relationship building with community members
• contact Neil Rogers, 289-795-5130

Services and Programs:

• Community Participation Supports - Day Services
• Residential Services

Services altered in response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

Continuing to provide virtual and modified services using email, phone, text, and video conferencing, while also gradually re-opening office locations to be able to support clients virtually or in-person. Check website for current status.

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Employment Connections Program includes:

• employment planning - developing a realistic employment goal
• support coordination - assistance with successful transition to employment; advice on funding supports to access training and employment opportunities
• employment preparation - assistance with resume updates, job searches, applications and interview skills, vocational life skills training
• job placement - assistance with job searches by establishing contacts that can lead to employment
• on the job training/coaching - providing support to individuals while training on the job
• job maintenance - providing ongoing follow-up to help maintain employment

Youth Employment Program provides:

• a client centered program that responds to the varied employment needs of transitional aged youth,16 to 24 years, who are experiencing mental health and/or addiction issues
• outreach service to meet youth in the community, accessing at-risk youth who traditionally are not seeking services
• youth-oriented service that will assist youth in developing the skills they need to become contributing members of their communities

Employment resources and coaching to find sustainable employment in Ontario:

• assessment of skills, interests and abilities
• job search strategies and support, including resume development and interview preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment opportunities
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

All services at this site can be tailored to meet the need of individual client groups including: Indigenous peoples, Older workers, Businesses, Persons with disabilities, Persons on social assistance, Immigrants/newcomers, Students, Women and Youth.

Better Jobs Ontario -- skills training and financial support for laid-off workers

Services for employers -- help in identifying human resource skills requirements

• matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience
• support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention

Canada-Ontario Job Grant -- financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees

• available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees