December 3 is United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities. In keeping with this year�s theme of "Decent Work for Persons with Disabilities", the Provincial Government, in partnership with the Independent Living Resource Centre (ILRC), today announced a Budget 2007 investment of $226,000 to launch the Independent Living (IL) Internship Program. Over three years, the Provincial Government is providing $846,000 to support this innovative program as part of the Poverty Reduction Strategy.

"Our government is proud to partner with the Independent Living Resource Centre on this important new employment initiative to promote decent work for persons with disabilities," said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. "The Independent Living Internship Program is a unique approach that will increase the ability of the department�s Career Information Resource Centres to meet the needs of this community, and I am confident, it will result in increased participation of persons with disabilities in the workplace."

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities theme recognizes the importance of equal access to dignified work for all people with disabilities and the contributions individuals with disabilities make to the workplace.

"We are very pleased to be launching this innovative employment program on such a significant day of celebration," said Barry Galloway, executive director of the ILRC. "Through this initiative, interns with disabilities will attain and maintain paid employment while participating in this community program. It will assist individuals in making employment choices, weighing out risks, and gaining ownership over their personal career development and goal setting."

Interns will be hired throughout Newfoundland and Labrador to provide public awareness and education on disabilities and skills for community independence. Town hall meetings will be co-ordinated throughout the province to discuss new and emerging issues experienced by people with disabilities. Community consultations will be organized to assist individuals to increase their employability skills and become more active and independent within their own communities.

The IL Internship Program will promote understanding and awareness of disabilities and encourage independence within respective communities. This program will also be providing key links within communities throughout the province on overall disability awareness and equality.

To celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the ILRC is hosting an open house today at their centre, from 2 to 4 p.m., at 4 Escasoni Place, St. John�s. For further information on the Independent Living Resource Centre, please visit www.ilrc.nf.ca.

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The Independent Living Internship Program will provide a unique opportunity for people with disabilities to engage within their communities. It will increase awareness and skills in keeping with the philosophy of independent living.

This program will provide solid employment opportunities for individuals, while helping to overcome barriers, develop career-related knowledge, evaluate risks, and acquiring competitive labour market skills.

This is a 10-month program that will be delivered using an experiential learning model. IL interns will complete a two-month skill building phase followed by an eight-month work placement phase.

Skill Building Phase

Interns will participate in a group-based orientation to the independent living movement and its philosophy. They will be provided with the necessary tools to promote learning opportunities, enhance life skills and acknowledge the diversity of people with disabilities. This will be accomplished in partnership with core co-ordinators at the ILRC. Interns will develop required computer and technical skills through the Adaptive Technology Program at the ILRC. This will help them to continue the use of the technology as a tool during the work placement phase of the program. As well, it will improve a participant�s fundamental skills in the use of technology in today�s labour market.

Four interns will be matched with ILRC core program co-ordinators. The participants will provide supports within the St John�s and surrounding area across all ILRC program and services areas. As well, six interns will be located in other regions of the province. They will maintain connections with the full project team through on-line means via e-mail and the Internet.

Examples of the objectives associated with these program activities include:

A program co-ordinator will oversee all activities and will provide one-to-one support, skill development and leadership training. The co-ordinator will work with interns to respond to numerous requests from agencies and consumers. The person will deliver information sessions and awareness workshops.

The ultimate outcome of the IL Internship Program would include the increased inclusion of people with disabilities within their communities. Interns, by helping to break down barriers and promote equality through IL, will be able to more fully participate in community. Individuals will be given the information they need in a clear, non-judgmental manner to enable informed choices to be made about all aspects of their daily living. The interns will promote an understanding and awareness of disability within their respective communities. They will augment the existence of independent living by providing key links within communities and the province in developing disability awareness and equality.