BURNABY, British Columbia, May 6, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- The Neil Squire Society will receive up to $1,339,369 to deliver Employ-Ability, a project that will help up to 214 people with major physical disabilities who require specific adaptations to take part in an employment assistance program. The announcement was made by Mr. James Moore, Member of Parliament (MP) for Port Moody-Westwood-Port Coquitlam, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development. During the announcement, MP Moore said, "Our government is ensuring that Canadians with disabilities have access to the training they need to find and keep quality jobs."
The Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities, which has an annual budget of $30 million, helps Canadians with disabilities to prepare for, obtain, and retain employment or self-employment, thereby improving their economic status.
Dr. Gary Birch, Executive Director of the Neil Squire Society: "We are extremely pleased to offer our Employ-Ability program for another year. Thanks to the Opportunities Fund, we are able to give a chance to our participants who want to work, but need specific technical and ergonomic adaptations, specialized employment counselling and guidance or skill development opportunities. Our participants enhance their quality of life and become active participants in the labour market."
The Neil Squire Society is a national not-for-profit organization that empowers Canadians with physical disabilities using technology, knowledge and passion. The Society facilitates independence amongst those with disabilities via employment skills enhancement, job placements, and Assistive Technology.