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Ontario Announces $9 Million Capacity Building Pilot Program to Address Barriers to Employment

Jun 09, 2015

Ontario's "Path to 2025" Accessibility Action Plan, released to coincide with the 10th anniversary of the passage of the AODA, includes a major pilot program to engage employers to address barriers to employment faced by persons with disabilities.

Details of the New Commitment

(O)ur government will launch a $9-million capacity-building pilot program – Valuing Ability – to:

  • Address barriers and challenges businesses face in hiring people with disabilities.
  • Engage employers, promote the business case for hiring people with disabilities and encourage a business culture of inclusion.
  • Complement and coordinate efforts with key partner ministries, including the Ministries of Training, Colleges and Universities and Community and Social Services, to continue to help people with disabilities secure employment.

There are three parts to the pilot:

  • Partnerships for Accessible Employment — a new initiative which aims to build employer awareness of the supports and resources available to business when recruiting, retaining and supporting employees with disabilities by encouraging partnerships between business, not-for-profits, social enterprises, postsecondary institutions, associations and/or service providers.
  • Community Loans — will build on the existing Social Capital Partners Community Loan Program by expanding low interest commercial loans for small businesses that demonstrate a commitment to hiring people with disabilities.
  • Mentoring opportunities — to expand on the successful Dolphin Digital Technologies Disabilities Mentoring Day initiative. The existing program connects potential employers to qualified candidates through an annual one-day event and builds a strong business network to champion the hiring of people with disabilities.

Other Programs

Following are details of other disability employment-related programs Ontario is operating or just starting 

Ontario Community Loans Program

The Ontario Community Loans Program will give small- and medium-sized business owners discounted rates on financial products, such as loans, when they commit to hiring people facing barriers to employment — including people with disabilities. Under the program, the interest rate will decrease for each person hired and retained for the required period of time. The Ministry of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure will partner with leading Canadian financial institutions to deliver this first of its kind pilot program, modelled on the pioneering work of Social Capital Partners. “I know this pilot program will result in a win-win scenario, with disadvantaged job seekers finding opportunities for meaningful employment and small businesses gaining access to attractive financing terms and motivated employees,” says Bill Young, founder of Social Capital Partners. The pilot program aims to support up to 500 small businesses in creating up to 1,100 new employment opportunities.

Abilities Connect Fund

Partnered with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) to establish and deliver a one-year, $1.8-million Abilities Connect Fund pilot project with three program streams:

  • Valuing Ability Employment — provides training and employment opportunities for college/university students and graduates with a disability.
  • Valuing Ability Workplace Solutions — helps employers build inclusive workplaces.
  • Valuing Ability Champions Network — promotes best practices and success stories through OCC’s communications network.
     

 

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