The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is providing $60,000 in funding for a new skills mentoring program operated by the Newfoundland and Labrador Association for Community Living. The Students Exploring Through Mentoring initiative will provide further support to secondary students with intellectual disabilities, allowing them to gain exposure to additional education and/or employment opportunities. Students will gain this exposure with the support of a trained mentor. The Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, made the announcement today in Grand Falls-Windsor.

"It is important for young people with intellectual disabilities to have the support they need to learn and encourage skill development," said Minister Skinner. "Through mentorship, these students will also have the opportunity to gain meaningful work experience."

The Students Exploring Through Mentoring initiative further assists and supports the government�s 2007 provincial budget announcement of $500,000 to hire 10 career information officers. These career information officers work with teachers, guidance counsellors and students in the K-12 system. Today�s announcement will add additional resources to assist with career planning for students and the inclusion of students with disabilities in the career planning process. This initiative will be introduced to a school in Gambo and Springdale for the 2008-09 school year.

The mentors will provide direct exposure to career shadowing, interaction in meaningful community activities, volunteer options and exploration of alternate post-school opportunities. Students involved in the initiative will develop new skills for daily living, and inter-personal relationships. The initiative will increase the student�s presence in social, educational and vocational settings and encourage a smooth transition from school to adult living.

"Through initiatives like these, we can continue to build supportive communities for individuals with intellectual disabilities," said Susan Ball, Community Inclusion Co-ordinator, NL Association for Community Living. "We would like to thank the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for its support in helping us in our work to empower and support individuals and their families."

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