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Abilities Centre Employment Services offer a range of accessible training virtually and in-person for people of all abilities.

Leadership In Training 

Empowering today’s youth to become the leaders of tomorrow!
 
Leadership in Training (LiT) is a program designed for youth of all abilities to develop and enhance leadership and life skills needed in today’s labour market. LiT supports youth in developing transition plans that focus on financial literacy, education, paid employment, volunteer work and/or community connections.
 
31 youth participants:
  • Average age – 22 years old
  • 50% Female
  • Increase in time management skills and practice
  • Increase in purposiveness
  • Moderate to high development in leadership skills and practice
The Leadership in Training program is generously supported by RBC Foundation
 

Youth created body maps to visually represent their journey in self-advocacy, self-awareness, and resilience related to labour and employment. Youth explored the powerful interplay of their experiences with the physical, social, cultural and ecological environments.

Image of traced hands from the road map project from LITImage of a body outline from the LIT roadmap projectImage of a body outline of a female on a phone with speach bubbles from the LT Roadmap project

Feature – Natasha

 
Just days before my high school graduation, I was involved in a horrific car accident which caused a traumatic brain injury, as well as many physical injuries. This left me feeling very broken and changed physically and emotionally. Initially, the doctors and nurses didn’t think I was going to survive.
 
My entire life got flipped upside down in a blink of an eye. I had accepted my offer to attend UOIT (Ontario Tech University) for forensic psychology but had to defer my offer due to the circumstances. Despite this major set back, I have not stopped pushing through all the therapies and my rehabilitation, usually done with a smile on my face.
 
In January of 2019 I started in the Leadership in Training Program at the Whitby Abilities Centre. This program helped me to focus on my current strengths and abilities. It also encouraged me to continue to pursue becoming a contributing member of society. Especially my hope of a career helping others. This program helped me to realize that I am still capable of doing lots and that I should never give up and let go of my dreams.
 
This encouraged me to apply to Durham College to attend the Community Integration through Cooperative Education Program, a two-year program designed for individuals with learning challenges. The program will prepare me to increase my level of independence and transition to volunteer or paid employment.
 
My goal is to be able to secure a paid position working with seniors. 

natalie.jpg

Abilities 360 

The Abilities Centre and Canadian Business SenseAbility partnered to develop a new pathway to employment for youth with disabilities. Youth transitioned from an in-school job-readiness program to a work placement using a tailored Life After School job portal.

Life After School portal

An evidence-based job portal designed for students with developmental disabilities centred on:

  • 6 core soft skills sought by employers when hiring for entry-level positions
  • Student interests, training opportunities and badge achievement
  • Connecting students with employers
  • 40 students signed up for the portal
  • 6 schools in 4 school boards represented 

Icons representing  23 students were interviewed 18 students hired for work placements 3 students were offered paid employment 34 employer participants were trained and provided with resources

   Icon of hands shaking showing 787 Employer Interactions

"This program is amazing. For all of the special needs or any student looking for a job, this will boost your skills and it will give a chance to get a job with a worker. I hope the government keeps this program open for special needs or anyone looking for jobs." - Program participant

 

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You Belong | Sport Recreation & Leisure | Post Rehab & Life Skills | Employment  Research & Education | Financials & Highlights
 

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