NLIS 1
June 4, 2002
(Human Resources and Employment)

 

Employability Assistance for People with Disabilities National Report released

Ralph Wiseman, Minister of Human Resources and Employment, attended Federal-Provincial-Territorial meetings of the Ministers Responsible for Social Services in Toronto on May 30-31. During this meeting, Minister Wiseman was happy to take part in the release of the Employability Assistance for People with Disabilities (EAPD) National Report.

This joint federal-provincial report details programs and services funded under the federal-provincial Employability Assistance for People with Disabilities (EAPD) initiative during fiscal years 1999-2000 and 2000-2001.

The EAPD agreement provides federal funding to cost share a range of provincially delivered programs and services that enhance the labour market participation of working age adults with disabilities by helping them prepare for, attain and maintain employment.

"This report highlights the major services and supports government has initiated in supporting people living with a disability, thanks to funding under the EAPD agreement," said Minister Wiseman. "I am particularly proud of the accomplishments made by Newfoundland and Labrador which are cited in the report."

From 1999-2002, approximately $20 million was invested in employment and career supports for people living with a disability in Newfoundland and Labrador through the EAPD agreement, which included a $8.2 million contribution from federal partners. This money was invested in active programs offered by the Departments of Human Resources and Employment, Health and Community Services, Education and Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education.

Programs include employment counselling and assessment, employment planning, pre-employment training, post-secondary education, skills training, technical aids, addiction services, the Supported Employment Program for individuals with a developmental disability to actively participate in the local labour market, in addition to other supports to assist individuals by removing barriers and to obtain access to job opportunities and training.

"This latest report highlights the major services we have been able to implement thanks to our partnership with the federal government and community agencies," said Minister Wiseman. "While we still need to keep working to further diversify our labour market, this report is a good indication that we can accomplish a great deal through creative partnerships based on a shared goal - to remove barriers to employment for people living with a disability."

Media contact: Simon N. Lono, Communications, (709) 729-4062.

2002 06 04                                1:10 p.m.


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