PRIORITY AREAS

Governments will work together in full respect of each other’s responsibilities, recognizing that the Provinces and Territories have primary responsibility for the development and delivery of programs and services funded under this Framework.

Labour market programs and services funded under the new initiative will be consistent with one or more of the priority areas outlined below. Governments have the flexibility to determine their own priorities and approaches to address the needs of persons with disabilities in their jurisdiction.

Interventions will recognize the unique labour market challenges faced by persons with disabilities. For this reason, the distinct needs of each individual with a disability will be considered in determining the set of interventions required to support the preparation for and economic participation in the labour market.

Governments have identified the following priority areas:

a. Education and Training
Improve the level of basic and post-secondary education and work-related skills for persons with disabilities.

b. Employment Participation
Improve the labour market situation and independence of persons with disabilities through employment-related activities.

c. Employment Opportunities
Expand the availability, accessibility and quality of employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, in partnership with business and labour.

d. Connecting Employers and Persons with Disabilities
Enhance awareness of the abilities and availability of persons with disabilities and strengthen persons with disabilities’ knowledge of labour market opportunities.

e. Building Knowledge
Enhance the knowledge base, which contributes to continuous improvement of labour market policies and programs for persons with disabilities.

Provinces and territories will determine the programs and services funded under this initiative that will be consistent with the priority areas setout in this Framework.

Examples of interventions which provinces and territories may consider in deciding on the mix of programs and services to be funded under this initiative are outlined Appendix 1.

Ministers recognize that the progress made in shifting toward an employability focus under EAPD will continue. Ministers further acknowledge that programs and services, which are primarily oriented to medical treatment or services provided in a sheltered workshop, which do not demonstrate preparation of persons with disabilities for entry into the labour market, are not funded under this initiative.