The Provincial Government has increased funding by $260,000 for the supported employment program in response to an increased demand for supported employment services. After consulting with the 21 supported employment corporations operating in the province, the additional program funding this fiscal year helps another 57people with developmental disabilities secure work in the province. This brings the total budget allotment for the supported employment program to $4.5 million in 2007-08.

"In today�s labour market, our government, in partnership with the supported employment community, is helping more people with developmental disabilities connect to meaningful employment," said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment and Minister Responsible for Persons with Disabilities. "Government will continue to be responsive and proactive in meeting the needs of persons with disabilities, employers and the community at large."

Supported employment helps people with developmental disabilities connect to the workplace. The services include help with conducting a job search, employer matching and placement, and access to a dedicated job trainer. This enables individuals to find meaningful, integrated employment. The funding provided by the Provincial Government for supported employment pays for the services of the assigned job trainer. The employer pays the salary and benefits for the supported worker.

Supported employment ensures a more successful and integrated work experience for the new employee by helping them meet the specific roles and responsibilities expected within the workplace. It encourages the inclusion and integration of persons with developmental disabilities into the workplace and society. In turn, this increases diversity while helping employers find and retain motivated and interested workers in today�s labour market.

Overall, in 2006-07, approximately 1,400 people received services through the supported employment program. This resulted in 709 people with developmental disabilities being matched and placed in employment, and of those, 455 availed of the services of a job trainer.