Young adults with an intellectual disability have valuable contributions to make to the workplace. Many of these individuals do not currently have access to the necessary support and training to secure employment opportunities.
To help harness the employment potential of young adults aged 18-25, the Community Living disABILITY Services program is launching a two-year Improving Quality of Life Employment Pilot Project, which will create increased opportunities for personal growth, skill development and meaningful employment.
The pilot project will involve 30 individuals aged 18-20, and there will be no cap on the number of individuals aged 21-25. For the 18-20 age group, the pilot project will enable access to employment services before reaching the age of 21. For the 21-25 age group, the project will provide an opportunity to refocus on employment opportunities.
The pilot project will invite Community Living disABILITY Services eligible individuals aged 18-25 to complete an employment discovery tool that will assess their skills and preferences, as well as their fit to participate in the pilot project.
The Community Living disABILITY Services program will contact service provider agencies currently delivering supported employment services regarding an expression of interest process that will gauge their interest in the pilot project, as well as their ability to expand their capacity to support the individuals who will be participating in the project.
More information about the Improving Quality of Life Employment Pilot Project, including the employment discovery tool, will be shared following the expression of interest process.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Who may be eligible to participate in the pilot project?
- Community Living disABILITY Services eligible individuals aged 18-25 and who are not currently accessing employment services may be eligible to participate in the pilot project.
- Community Living disABILITY Services eligible individuals aged 18-25 and who are not currently accessing employment services may be eligible to participate in the pilot project.
- What age groups are included in the pilot project?
- There are two streams for the pilot project. Stream 1 will be those aged 21-25, who are eligible for, but not currently accessing, supported employment services, and Stream 2 will be those aged 18-20 who are not yet eligible for supported employment services.
- There are two streams for the pilot project. Stream 1 will be those aged 21-25, who are eligible for, but not currently accessing, supported employment services, and Stream 2 will be those aged 18-20 who are not yet eligible for supported employment services.
- When will the pilot project start?
- In general, Stream 1 will start in Fall 2023 for those aged 21-25, while Stream 2 will start in Fall 2024 for those aged 18-20. However, the start dates will be flexible for individuals.
- In general, Stream 1 will start in Fall 2023 for those aged 21-25, while Stream 2 will start in Fall 2024 for those aged 18-20. However, the start dates will be flexible for individuals.
- How long will individuals participate in the pilot project?
- Individuals will participate in the pilot project for one year. However, those who participate will continue to be eligible for supported employment services or day services after their participation in the pilot project.
- Individuals will participate in the pilot project for one year. However, those who participate will continue to be eligible for supported employment services or day services after their participation in the pilot project.
- How many participants will be included in the pilot project?
- The pilot project will include up to approximately 30 individuals aged 18-20. There is no prescribed limit for individuals aged 21-25.
- The pilot project will include up to approximately 30 individuals aged 18-20. There is no prescribed limit for individuals aged 21-25.
- I am currently accessing day services. Can I still join the pilot project?
- If you are an existing Community Living disABILITY Services program participant aged 18-25 who is attending a day program that is not considered supported employment, you may be eligible to participate in the pilot project.
- If you are an existing Community Living disABILITY Services program participant aged 18-25 who is attending a day program that is not considered supported employment, you may be eligible to participate in the pilot project.
- I am currently accessing supported employment services. Can I still join the project?
- The pilot project is for Community Living disABILITY Services program participants aged 18-25 who are not currently accessing supported employment services.
- The pilot project is for Community Living disABILITY Services program participants aged 18-25 who are not currently accessing supported employment services.
- Which service provider agencies will be participating in the pilot project?
- Participating service provider agencies will be identified through an expression of interest process.
- Participating service provider agencies will be identified through an expression of interest process.
- Will the pilot project be available in rural and northern regions of the province?
- The pilot project will be available throughout the province, depending on the participation of service provider agencies and the availability of resources in your respective region.
- The pilot project will be available throughout the province, depending on the participation of service provider agencies and the availability of resources in your respective region.
- Who do I contact if I have questions about the pilot project?
- More information about the pilot project will be shared with the sector shortly. In the meantime, please contact ADS@gov.mb.ca if you have any questions.
