Government of Canada helps create employment opportunities
Since 2006, the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities has helped 40,000 people with disabilities across Canada. This is part of the Government of Canada’s overall strategy to equip all Canadians with the skills and training they need to connect with available jobs. To provide more demand-driven training solutions for people with disabilities, the Government’s Economic Action Plan is increasing funding to the Opportunities Fund by $40 million annually. Employers and community organizations will be involved in designing and delivering training projects. Through the Economic Action Plan 2014, the Government is providing $11.4 million over four years to The Sinneave Family Foundation and Autism Speaks Canada to expand vocational training programs for people with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Tried & tested
CWC is modeled after an innovative community based, pre-employment, peer mentorship program developed at the Southwest Autism Resource & Research Center (SARRC) in Phoenix, Arizona. The original program, which uses an evidence-informed social and behavioral framework, has seen thousands of dedicated youth develop important social and employment skills by clocking over 40,000 community service hours at such places as libraries, the zoo, food banks and botanical gardens. CommunityWorks Canada® builds on this success, offering employment readiness training and volunteer experience to individuals with ASD across Canada.