Effective training for youth with disabilities

Marc has just received his high school diploma and has successfully found a three-week job placement. He looks forward to returning to class to learn to be a building superintendent. Diane worked in a restaurant but wanted to make a career change. She just finished a training course and will soon be doing office work in a women’s distress centre where her excellent communications skills will be a real asset.

These are just two examples of young people with disabilities who have benefited from the services of Solidarité communautaire pour l’intégration à l’emploi, an organization in Sudbury
that helps people with disabilities obtain the necessary skills to participate successfully in the workplace.

A $99,000 OTF grant is making it possible for this not-for-profit community organization, in partnership with Centre alpha-culturel, Collège Boréal and Northern Vocational Services, to offer a training program that will enable 50 young people with disabilities to find employment and another 50 to participate in meaningful voluntary work.

“Through role-playing techniques, we are helping participants learn how to deal with people who make fun of them and how to react to criticism, In other sessions, participants learn many other important lessons, including respect for property, how to follow instructions and how to analyze task requirements. They master interview techniques and learn about workplace safety, workers’ rights, pay, and income tax. They also learn about language used in business and how to use a computer. In addition, we offer counselling through a social worker who provides encouragement and helps improve their sense of self-worth. Employers are always impressed with our participants,” said Madame Lafrenière.
 

Marc (left) and Diane (right photo) receive
training from Solidarité communautaire.