Employment has a lot more to it than just going out and getting a job. Fortunately, there are supports, information and resources out there to help people with disabilities get, and keep, employment.

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• The Neil Squire Foundation received a $10,000 grant to support their Computer Comfort program. The program is a first step to bring people with physical disabilities into an educational setting where they can gain basic computer skills. For the full news release visit http://www.neilsquire.ca/news/vancity_cc.htm.
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• A groundbreaking study by a volunteer group of senior executives has found that, because most managers don't have the understanding or the resources to help employees after they have taken leaves for depression, anxiety, addiction or other mental-health issues, thousands of workers each year can't return to work and end up on permanent disability. See how top executives have devised a strategy that places more responsibility on employers in helping employees with mental health disabilities return to work by linking to http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/ ArticleNews/TPStory/LAC/20040714/CAMENTAL14/ TPBusiness/General.
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• The McGuinty government plans to reduce workplace injuries by 20 per cent by the end of four years through a comprehensive, integrated health and safety strategy spearheaded by aggressive enforcement measures. The goal is that, by 2008, there will be 60,000 fewer workplace injuries per year. Link to http://www.cnw.ca/fr/releases/archive/July2004/ 08/c1506.html for the full article.
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• In an era of colleges and universities having to do more with less, the Northern Lights College has cancelled the Job Education and Training (JEDT) program, citing it was no longer financially viable. To learn more about this change, visit http://www.canada.com/fortstjohn/story.html?id=13DCA242-1C95-463A-9D3E-D105AF252EF7
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• Now that he's been elected to Parliament, Steven Fletcher accepts the disabled community will look to him as their champion. Discover how he is ready for the challenge by linking to the article
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• The Canadian Labour Congress has a new tool for unions to use on the job as well as at the bargaining table to ensure that Canadians with disabilities gain greater opportunities to participate in the workforce. Visit http://www.nupge.ca/news_2004/n11jn04d.htm to find out how the CLC reaches out to help Canadians with disabilities.
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• Employment and Disability Research Project - The Canadian Abilities Foundation (CAF) is undertaking a major study that aims to resolve a longstanding dilemma - why employers say they can't find qualified people with disabilities to fill job vacancies, when tens of thousands of people with disabilities say they are unable to find work. We are confident that, through the study, new and better connections can be built between these parties so that employers can meet their human resources objectives, and people with disabilities can find the jobs they've been looking for. The CAF is seeking input from people with disabilities who are employed, unemployed, self-employed, and even those who have given up looking for work. Your views are very important to the study, and they will make a difference. See the Neglected or Hidden Research Project for more information.
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• Need a job? Looking for employment? Check out EnableLink's Canadian Employment Links for hotlinks to organizations offering support services and information on referrals for people with disabilities.
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• Do you work for a company that has been particularly accommodating of your disability-related needs? Has it willingly given you the flexibility, assistive devices or technology you require to let your abilities shine? Add your story to our upcoming Best Practices section! E-mail us at [email protected] with the company name, location, and a brief description of why your employer deserves a gold star.
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