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·	From Theory To Practice

Case Study Highlights

Case studies provide vivid illustrations of the kinds of activities that have been implemented under OF. For Phase I of the evaluation of OF, five case studies were conducted. These included:

• the umbrella organization in Quebec, the Comité d'adaptation de la main- d'oeuvre pour personnes handicapées (CAMO);
• a national project, Creating Employment Opportunities for People who have an Intellectual Disability; and
• regional/local projects in Victoria, Red Deer and the Toronto area.

Aspects of each of these cases are highlighted below. A more detailed description of each of these case studies is available under separate cover.

Building capacity to create employment opportunities.

The Canadian Association of Community Living is leading a national project under OF to build the capacity of local organizations and their communities to partner with business to create sustainable employment opportunities. One of the key strategies is the development of a one-day workshop for Association of Community Living members. The workshop, titled "Ready...Set...Go!" provides participants with practical guidelines and suggestions for approaching potential business partners and building long-term successful relationships.

Needs assessment and harmonization.

In Quebec, the implementation of OF is being preceded by a needs assessment process in each administrative region in the province conducted by the CAMO. The needs assessment will contribute to an understanding of the needs and priorities of each area and to refine the OF funding criteria on this basis to cover any gaps. The needs assessment is based on existing statistical data at the regional level and a qualitative assessment of perceived needs conducted by an external consultant. It is hoped that this process will ensure that OF funding is properly harmonized with existing programs sponsored by the Office des personnes handicapées du Québec (OPHQ) and to ensure that needs are being met.

Delivery in partnership.

In the region of Peel, Halton and Dufferin in Ontario, the Centre for Worklife and Assessment was established to deliver OF. The mandate of the organization is to ensure that the employment needs of persons with disabilities are met. The Centre is a virtual organization — program activities are undertaken in the community or "brought to" the client in their home. Office space is provided as an in-kind contribution by the HRCC and other partners. The Centre was established by the Coalition for Persons with Disabilities composed of service delivery organizations, persons with disabilities and other individuals in the community. This group remains actively involved in guiding the delivery of OF. As well, a consortium of local employers plays a key role. This group is involved in creating employment and training opportunities, promoting the program to other employers, and securing sponsorships and in-kind contributions.

Active outreach and promotion.

In Red Deer, Alberta, OF is delivered by a coordinator based at Employment Placement and Support with the help of an Advisory Group representing 12 local stakeholder organizations. Over 40 clients have been assisted under OF. In this rural area, active outreach has been an important factor for the success of the project and the coordinator has played a key role in the promotion of OF. Simple, tailored marketing materials were developed for the program. Strategies to promote the program have involved consultation meetings with stakeholders, delivery of program brochures, meetings with service providers and coordinators in each area and promotion through existing networks.

Individualized and flexible approaches to support employment.

In Victoria, BC, OF is delivered in collaboration with a local employment agency, Techniques Employment Services. Over 30 clients have participated in OF. Clients have a wide range of disabilities and an equally broad variety of interventions have been implemented, ranging from small-scale, simple measures (such as a job finding club) to more intensive approaches (such as education/training expenses or purchase of assistive equipment). Assistance for self-employment has been an important and innovative intervention. The length of activities may vary from one month to 18 months. A return to work action plan is prepared with each client and clients are encouraged to take as much responsibility for this plan as possible.