Disability Employment & Inclusion Programs

At JVS Toronto, we understand the needs of individuals living with a wide range of disabilities and offer the support required to obtain meaningful employment.

We’re committed to serving clients from all walks of life, including people with disabilities. Our targeted employment and volunteer programs unlock your abilities so you can reach your potential at work. We specialize in working with individuals with:

• Learning Disabilities
• Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD)
• Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
• Developmental disabilities
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Mental health issues
• Physical challenges

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Job Readiness Project

Specialized coaching for job seekers with autism.

This program is designed for individuals with ASD between the ages of 18 and 30 years old. It is suitable for those looking for support in preparing for, obtaining and retaining employment.

The programs includes:

• 8-week workshop series to develop your job readiness skills
• Workshop topics include workplace communication, employer interactions, workplace behaviour, and self-advocacy
• Weekly 1-2-1 sessions to set and achieve goals
• Paid work placement for up to 14 weeks
• On-the-job coaching and support
• Job retention workshops

Path 2 Work

Helping Adults with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism prepare for and find employment. Understanding personal strengths and challenges in the workplace will allow strategies to be developed to successfully maintain employment.

The program includes:

• Personalized Return to Work (RTW) action plan
• 1-2-1 employment counselling
• Employment and Life Skills workshops
• Introductions to employers
• Job interview preparation
• On-the-job coaching and support

Project GOLD – Generating Opportunities for Learning Disabilities

Preparing individuals with learning disabilities for employment.

Project GOLD is a free program for adults with learning disabilities, ADHD or ADD to work through their strengths and challenges in order to achieve and retain meaningful employment.

The program includes:

• Personalized Return to Work (RTW) action plan
• Employment and Life Skills workshops
• Job search support
• On-the-job coaching and support
• Assistance with disability disclosure to employers

To register, please visit our Project GOLD page.

RiseAbility Employment & Inclusion Program

An innovative 1-year program that gives adults with developmental disabilities the tools they need to thrive in the workplace and beyond.

RiseAbility is designed to empower participants by developing essential employability skills, enhancing communication, fostering independent living skills, and promoting activity and inclusion within the greater community.

The program includes:

• Identifying individual strengths and challenges
• Developing a wide range of skills
• Professional assessments to track progress
• Understanding employer expectations and workplace practices
• Hands-on volunteer opportunities and employment experiences
• Involvement with participants, families, and caregivers
• Expert guidance of experienced professionals

Offered in 2, 3, and 5 days/week packages. For more information, please visit our RiseAbility page.

The Al Green Resource Centre

The Al Green Resource Centre offers programs for individuals with learning or developmental disabilities. It helps to create meaningful employment, training and volunteer opportunities that develop work, life and social skills. All services are delivered by a team of professional Community Participation Support Workers, Employment Counsellors, Workforce Specialists and Job Coaches. Our team is knowledgeable about developmental disabilities and has direct experience working with a wide range of individuals.

Note: All programs require a referral from Developmental Services Ontario

Person Directed Planning Initiative

Preparation and support for life transition through volunteer positions, employment and/or educational opportunities.

Developing Work Connections

A pre-employment and life skills program for individuals 18 and older, with developmental disabilities. On-site and community-based activities are designed to build employment and life skills and help individuals integrate into the community. Includes a focus on Individualized Support Planning. It also endeavours to:

• Assist participants to work toward their goals
• Promote inclusive opportunities through meaningful group or individualized volunteer placements
• Job coaching support, and social and leisure activities.

Youth: Community Choices for Success

A pre-employment program for individuals aged 18 to 29 with Dual Diagnosis. This means a mental health diagnosis coupled with a developmental disability.

The program includes:

• Activities to enhance vocational planning
• Volunteering and life skills workshops
• Individualized Support Plan
• Group and individualized volunteer placement – with job coaching support