Finding a first job and entering the workforce can be a challenge for all young people. They need work experience to build their skills and confidence and gain the many social, financial and mental health benefits that come with employment.
The need is even more critical for young people with disabilities, but they don’t have equal access to these valuable early experiences. They face major barriers to successful employment, including discrimination, medical needs and physical barriers, and there’s a lack of programming to help them connect with employers, access supports like job coaching and build skills such as goal setting, planning accommodations and networking.
Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital is stepping up to fill that gap by providing clients with work experience, coaching and support tailored to their individual needs through a program called Pathway to Employment for Youth with Disabilities. This innovative program is being supported by a generous donations, which funds programs, tools and resources for young people entering the workforce.
The Pathway program equips 60-70 youth living with a physical, intellectual or developmental disability, a genetic or medical condition or autism with the skills, connections and experience they need to enter the job market and succeed in work and in life. Starting in high school and lasting for up to three years, it helps them develop their personal action plan and connects them with employers, who also receive coaching for the recruitment process. Virtual sessions and workshops support another 250 youth.
This invaluable experience, training and career mentoring program is delivered by occupational therapists, life skills coaches, employers and youth facilitators with lived experience of disability, who can provide clients with the assistance they need to prepare them for successful employment.
