There are many things that Ontario can do to emerge stronger. Capitalizing on the untapped potential of persons with disabilities is one of them.
Did you know that 15.4% of Ontarians aged 15 and over live with a disability? Almost forty-one percent of this population has postsecondary accreditation. Yet, the unemployment rate among persons with disabilities in Ontario is about 8 percent higher than that of the general population, according to data from Statistic’s Canada’s 2012 Canadian Survey on Disability.
There are many things that Ontario can do to emerge stronger. Capitalizing on the untapped potential of persons with disabilities is one of them.
That’s why we are pleased to announce a new pilot initiative that will help businesses in Ontario integrate and accommodate people with disabilities. Supported by the Government of Ontario, the Abilities Connect Fund will improve the career trajectory of persons with a disability and create a more integrated Ontario labour market.
The Abilities Connect Fund will allow employers to provide internship opportunities for postsecondary students and recent graduates. The fund will also help to create more inclusive work environments by supporting employers in providing employees with disabilities with technologies and training to increase their independence in the workplace.
The Abilities Connect Fund administers grants through two separate streams.
The Valuing Ability Internships stream helps employers create internship opportunities for post-secondary students with a disability, within four years of graduation. Through this stream, the aim is to help employers better integrate the abilities of persons with disabilities and provide valuable early workplace experience. The arranged internship opportunity must provide meaningful work experience and appropriate worker support and protections. Grants distributed through this stream may cover up to 90% of eligible costs for not-for-profits and 60% for private businesses, up to a maximum annual rate of $20,000.
The Valuing Ability Workplace Solutions stream supports employers by funding the purchase of technologies, assistive devices and specialized training to support employees with disabilities. Through this funding stream, the aim is to assist employers in creating more inclusive work environments, increasing the independence of employees with disabilities in the workplace and improving organizational productivity. This stream will provide employers with up to $3,000 to purchase the necessary devices or specialized training.
We are in the process of finalizing an online presence for the Abilities Connect Fund, so make sure to check our website in the near future for updates. In the meantime, if you have any questions about this new pilot program, please contact Louie DiPalma, Director of SME Programs at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.
About the Abilities Connect Fund
The Abilities Connect Fund is a one year pilot program administered by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce that helps businesses integrate, and accommodate people with disabilities in the workplace.
Supported by the Government of Ontario, the Abilities Connect pilot supports employers in creating internship opportunities for postsecondary students and recent graduates. The fund also helps to create more inclusive work environments by supporting businesses in providing employees with disabilities with technologies and training to increase their independence in the workplace.
