September 10, 2004

Manitobans will benefit from the launch of a new employment strategy and additional funds for preschool children with autism, Christine Melnick, minister responsible for persons with disabilities, announced today while addressing delegates at the Disabled Persons International World Summit being held at the Winnipeg Convention Centre.

The new employment strategy is built around a partnership with community, employment programs, the business sector and government. The strategy focuses on people with disabilities receiving employment and income assistance and includes the creation of an employability support unit. Staff in the unit will identify and assist interested people to find jobs, directly or through community employment programs.

In addition, Melnick will also soon launch a new initiative to promote diversity awareness training for staff in the Department of Family Services and Housing.

"What is exciting about this strategy is the shift to a proactive partnership approach to employing more people with disabilities," said Melnick. "This new approach builds on our commitment to assist people to achieve full participation in society and more self-sufficiency by taking advantage of opportunities to join the workforce. I am pleased we will be partnering with the community at large on this new strategy, including a cross-section of local groups and employers."

An existing program at St. Amant Centre in Winnipeg which assists preschool children with autism will be expanded with increased funding of $292,000, bringing the program’s total annual funding to approximately $3.2 million. The Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) program, delivered in partnership with Manitoba Families for Effective Autism Treatment, had its funding increased by $1.3 million in 2003-04.

"The increased funding will allow additional families with young children with autism to access important services," said Melnick. "This specialized program at St. Amant Centre has been a success story and is widely recognized as being very beneficial for young children with autism."

Earlier this year, employment assessment and job search assistance provided by Reaching E-Quality Employment Services in Winnipeg was supported with $411,028 in funding from Manitoba Advanced Education and Training. The Winnipeg-based, non-profit organization offers a wide range of employment-related services to people with disabilities and with the funding is able to assist over 500 Manitobans.

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