The Abilities Centre, an incubator for accessibility and inclusion, applauds the Government of Ontario and its support for an important pilot project that expanded the employment services available to persons living with a disability.
Over the course of the last year, Abilities Centre recruited and onboarded potential employees and employers eager to join in this project. Program benefits included specialized employment skills workshops and free of cost Standard First Aid and CPR/AED Level C and Food Handler certifications. Participants developed valuable employment skills such as: customer service; communications; health and safety; teamwork; initiative and critical thinking skills. Successful candidates were matched with trained employers.
“This pilot project for the expansion of Employment Services and Skills Development at Abilities Centre has helped address the need within our community to create greater opportunities for those who can play an active role in growing business in Ontario,” said Michael Cvitkovic, president and chief executive officer, Abilities Centre. “We are extremely grateful to Minister David Piccini, the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training & Skills Development, MPP Lorne Coe (Whitby) and the Government of Ontario for recognizing the important work being done by Abilities Centre for people living with a disability. We have proven the success of this pilot project and look forward to continuing our work together, creating a more accessible and inclusive business community within Ontario.”
The Abilities Centre is a national leader in inclusive programming, dedicated to promoting health, wellness, and community engagement for individuals of all abilities. The Centre’s programs are essential in creating a more inclusive and growing Ontario workforce, particularly in light of rising operational costs and the increasing demand for services.
“The Abilities Centre has proven, that with support from the Government of Ontario, more people with a disability can be active and successful participants in Ontario’s workforce,” said Minister David Piccini, Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training & Skills Development. “I am proud to support the Employment Services and Skills Development pilot project as it generates productivity and delivers on our government’s promise to transform the employment sector. Together, we are building a workforce that offers fair opportunities for everyone and reflects the diversity of the people in Ontario.”
According to the 2022 Canadian Survey on Disability, 27% of Canadians aged 15 years and older have one or more disabilities, highlighting the importance of inclusive services like those provided by the Abilities Centre. Employment rates for people with disabilities remain significantly lower than those without disabilities, underscoring the need for continued investment in employment support programs. With the Government of Ontario funding, the Abilities Centre launched a pilot project to enhance employment services and fostering a more inclusive and supportive community.
"Our government is proud to support innovative programs like the Abilities Centre's Employment Services and Skills Development pilot project," said MPP Lorne Coe, Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier. "This initiative highlights the importance of fostering inclusion in our workforce while equipping individuals with varying abilities and businesses with the tools to succeed. By investing in opportunities like these, we are building a stronger, more inclusive Ontario for everyone."
The funding came as part of the Ontario Government’s 2024 Budget: Building a Better Ontario, which commits $310 million over three years to support community organizations that serve vulnerable populations, including people with disabilities. This investment is essential to ensuring that organizations like the Abilities Centre can continue to provide high-quality, evidence-based services that address the diverse needs of the community.
About Abilities Centre:
Abilities Centre is a state-of-the-art facility in Whitby, Ontario, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people of all ages and abilities. Through innovative programs in health and fitness, arts and culture, and life skills development, the Centre fosters inclusivity and empowers individuals to achieve their full potential. Our mission is to reimagine accessibility and redefine the way Canadians live, work, and play. For more information about the Abilities Centre and its programs, please visit abilitiescentre.org
Media Contact:
Zed Pickering
Director, Partnerships and Revenue
Abilities Centre
zpickering@abilitiescentre.org