EDMONTON – The Alberta government has committed $3 million towards helping Albertans with disabilities find employment.
“We are committed to delivering high quality services to all Albertans that will help them lead fulfilling lives in the community. Employment is a critical part of that. Employment provides an opportunity to learn new skills, meet people, and earn a pay cheque,” says Naresh Bhardwaj, Associate Minister of Services for Persons with Disabilities.
The funding comes from the Employment First Strategy, which supports Albertans with disabilities to find employment.
The initiative supports persons with all types of disabilities and functional challenges, including those with complex and significant disabilities.
The employment rate for disabled people in Alberta is low, so there is hope the funding will help increase employment numbers.
“I think it’s a huge group to choose from and employers are recognizing, both the private sector and the public, they’re recognizing that and really wanting to provide those opportunities,” says Bhardwaj.
The $3 million is part of a $54 million increase the province allocated in the 2014 budget towards supporting Persons with Disabilities.
There are half a million people living with disabilities in Alberta.