The Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities provides funding for national, regional and local projects that assist people with disabilities in preparing for and finding employment or self-employment, as well as acquiring the skills necessary to maintain that new employment.
The Opportunities Fund supports a variety of activities to help people with disabilities. These activities may include:
- helping individuals start their own business;
- helping individuals increase their job skills;
- helping individuals to integrate into the workplace through services that meet their special needs; and
- encouraging employers to provide individuals with work opportunities and experience.
Types of funding
The Opportunities Fund offers three categories of funding for projects involving eligible activities:- Financial Assistance for Individuals
- Funding for Employers and Organizations for Local and Regional Projects
- Funding for Organizations for National Projects
How funding works
Financial assistance for individuals as well as funding for local and regional projects are delivered through local Service Canada Centres, or through a service provider contracted by the local office. Service Canada offices determine the types of funding that best meet the needs of local communities, and may offer different mixes of eligible activities, which may change from year to year.Funding for National Projects is distributed by means of a Call for Proposals.
http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/of/index.shtml
I got the information about this program while at the OMSSA Conference this week. I specifically asked the Service Canada reps if the applicant had to provide medical evidence of disability, and they said no, that it was a matter of self-identifying.
I'll be doing more research on this puppy -- stay tuned!
