EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING SUPPORTS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Saskatchewan Community Resources and Employment Minister Glenn Hagel, who is also the Minister Responsible for Disability Issues, announced today $2 million in new funding for people with disabilities to enable them to move from social assistance to employment. He outlined the program at the South Saskatchewan Independent Living Centre (SSILC) in Regina.

"This program provides resources to people with disabilities so that they can contribute as full citizens of this province by getting mainstream jobs," said Hagel.

The new funding includes $1.85 million for individualized employment supports, such as job training, mentoring and coaching.

An additional $150,000 will remove a major barrier to employment for people with disabilities by extending supplementary health care coverage for one year for those who leave social assistance.

SSILC Chairperson Ron Filleul said he is encouraged by the results so far in the province. "We recognize that there is a need for steady progress over the long term, and we are committed to working with the provincial government in advancing the full participation of Saskatchewan citizens who have disabilities," said Filleul.

The total new funding for disability initiatives in 2003/04 across government is just over $6 million, of which $4 million is from the Department of Community Resources and Employment. The disability community is also benefiting from 13 new paratransit vehicles and over $1 million for improved access to Government buildings.

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For More Information, Contact:

Herman Hulshof DCRE Regina Phone: (306)787-0916 Email: hhulshof@dcre.gov.sk.ca Cell: (306)536-1479