Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities

The Opportunities Fund supports innovative activities that will assist persons with disabilities to prepare for and obtain employment or self-employment as well as to develop the skills necessary to maintain that new employment.

Eligibility Criteria

Who can apply

Businesses, organizations, including public health and educational institutions, band/tribal councils, or municipal governments, individuals and provincial/territorial government departments and agencies if specifically approved by the Minister.

To be eligible as a participant, an individual must self-identify as having a permanent physical or mental disability, be unemployed, be legally entitled to work in Canada, and be in need of assistance to prepare for, obtain and keep employment or self-employment.

Participants must normally not be eligible for assistance under the Employment Programs under Part II of the Employment Insurance Act or similar provincial or territorial programs that are subject to agreements with provinces, territories or organizations funded through Section 63 of the Employment Insurance Act.

Summary

Objectives

• To assist persons with disabilities to prepare for and obtain employment or self-employment as well as to develop the skills necessary to maintain that new employment;
  
• To support effective and innovative activities such as, but not limited to, the following: encouraging employers to provide individuals with work opportunities and experience, assist individuals to increase their employment skill level and helping individuals to start their own business; and
  
• To work in partnership with organizations for persons with disabilities, including the private sector, to support innovative approaches to integrate individuals with disabilities into employment or self-employment and address barriers to an individual's labour market participation.

Duration

Projects may be approved for a period of up to 52 weeks, however, in some circumstances may be extended to a total of 78 weeks. The duration of assistance varies according to the action plan developed for each individual and is based on the individual's need.

Financial Parameters

• Funding may be provided to cover costs such as participant wages or related employer costs; and
• Funding may also be provided to cover overhead costs related to planning, organizing, operating, delivering and evaluating approved activities, including costs such as staff wages and employment related costs. Eligible expenses will be negociated with program officials.

How to apply

Organizations interested in submitting an application should contact their Service Canada Centre.

In many places, community-based organizations may provide specialized services and may have information available.

New Brunswick Contact(s):
Service Canada Centres
For a complete list of all Service Canada Centres please visit the Web site or check the government listings in your telephone directory.
Web site: http://www1.servicecanada.gc.ca/en/gateways/where_you_live/regions/nb.shtml

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National Contact(s):
Service Canada Centres
  
Toll-free (information): 1-800-277-9914