February 18, 2000
(Human Resources and Employment)

Minister endorses community consultations

Julie Bettney, Minister of Human Resources and Employment, is calling on people with disabilities in Newfoundland and Labrador to take part in community consultations that will help determine the kinds of programs and services available under the Employability Assistance for Persons with Disabilities (EAPD) agreement.

"Consulting with the community is an important part of focusing the direction of the agreement," said Ms. Bettney. HRE is the lead department in the implementation of the EAPD.

"People with disabilities know best the kinds of programs and services that are required to help them find and keep jobs," said Minister Bettney. "We need their ideas as we work to create an agreement that will help people overcome barriers to employment and participate as full and equal members of our community."

The consultation is province-wide and is organised by the Coalition of Persons with Disabilities, (COD), whose representatives sit on the EAPD steering committee. The committee made up of government and community members is working to ensure that programs and services under this agreement have an employability focus.

A crucial part of the agreement that was signed in 1998 is the three-year transition period that allows time to adjust and reevaluate programs, while maintaining services to clients. The public consultation is part of this process.

"We want to hear from as many persons with disabilities as possible to help shape the EAPD program in this province," said Mary Ennis of the consultation committee. "Their input is essential if we are to have a program that is truly responsive to individual needs."

Consultations are happening across the province. There�s also a provincial teleconference for anyone unable to attend one of these meetings.

The EAPD agreement is a five-year $41 million agreement that replaced the Vocational Rehabilitation Program for Persons with Disabilities. Through the Canada/Newfoundland and Labrador Bilateral Agreement, the Government of Canada will contribute 50 per cent of the cost, up to $4.1 million annually.

Consultation papers are available at Coalition of Persons with Disabilities in St.John�s, or on the web at www.gov.nl.ca/openingdoors

For more information contact: Trudy Parsons, EAPD Consultation Coordinator, (709) 722-4031; TTY: 722-7998.

2000 02 18                                                         10:05 a.m.