Employment for People with Disabilities

1. Employment for People with Disabilities

2. Vision: WorkBC Employment Services Affordability WorkBC provides access to employment services that help people find better paying jobs – not just any job. Inclusion WorkBC supports people of all backgrounds and abilities to find a sense of purpose, community and a social outlet through employment. Opportunity WorkBC is focused on providing British Columbians with access to training and employment supports that will increase economic opportunities. Reconciliation WorkBC provides priority access to training and employment services for Indigenous peoples in British Columbia, helping to break the cycle of poverty.

3. WorkBC WorkBC Assistive Technology & Apprentice Services WorkBC Employment Services An integrated system of employment services and supports serving almost 40,000 British Columbians. Includes 103 WorkBC Centres in communities across BC. 64% of participants have achieved employment. • Employment-related assistive technology and disability support services. And services and supports for apprentices to access the technical training portion of their apprenticeship. Community and Employer Partnerships • Priority Initiatives We foster collaborative, coordinated networks of community organizations and employers across the province to anticipate emerging labour market issues or events. • Development of new policy and initiatives for priority groups

4. The New Program A new WorkBC Employment Services program begins on April 1, 2019. The new program focussed on sustained employment outcomes, gives more flexibility to service providers to get and keep employment.

5. Putting People First The number of WorkBC Centres is increasing from 84 to 103 to ensure British Columbians have access to services in their community. British Columbians can access any WorkBC Centre of their choice, regardless of the service catchment boundaries. We are expanding Online Employment Services to provide a portal accessible to British Columbians from their home computer or their smart phone. We are increasing funding to persons with disabilities to ensure people with barriers to employment get the supports they need to find and keep a job.

6. Highlight: Resources for People • WorkBC Centres: • Financial Supports, Training, Assistive Technology, Assessments, Job Counselling, Resumes, Placement and Post-Placement Support • WorkBC.ca website • WorkBC locations • Labour Market Information • Job Board, Career Toolkit • Annual Earnings Exemptions – BC was the first province employment earnings to be considered annually

7. Highlight: Resources for Organizations • Community Employer Partnerships Funding: • Labour Market Partnerships: Learn about the Labour Market in your community and what opportunities exist • Project-based Training and Job Creation: funding to train people in your community while getting a community benefit: e.g., Housing, trails, renovated community space… • E.g., Rick Hansen Foundation • Research and Innovation: Partner with a research and try new ways to support people with employment: e.g., BCWIN

8. Going Forward -WorkBC Opportunities With a renewed program, we see an opportunity for renewed relationships with: Communities & Employers Indigenous Organizations People Our Service Providers The Federal Government