Manitoba Family Services and Labour

marketAbilities Program

marketAbilities Program Operating Manual

The marketAbilities Program of Manitoba Family Services and Labour offers a wide range of employment focused services to assist adults with disabilities in preparing for, obtaining and maintaining employment.

Vocational Counselling: A Vocational Counsellor will assist in exploring vocational goals based on the individual's interests, abilities and skills.

Assessment: Specialized vocational assessments may be used to assist in identifying appropriate employment options and supports.

Vocational Planning: Planning is done on an individual basis to address each person's unique training or employment support needs. It may involve a single service, or a multi-year training plan that includes a variety of supports.

Vocational Training: Vocational training may include specific job development and/or post-secondary or other adult education courses.

Support Services: Support services may be provided to accommodate disability-related barriers to employment and may include supported employment, disability-related education expenses, sign language interpreting, provision of technical equipment, or building or vehicle modifications.

Direct Employment Services: These services may include job search, resume preparation, establishment of contacts with job placement agencies, job referral, training-on-the-job, and supports required to obtain or maintain employment.

To be eligible for the marketAbilities Program, a person must be:

• a resident of Manitoba with a mental, psychiatric, learning or physical disability;
• 16 years of age or older;
• legally entitled to work in Manitoba and show a willingness to prepare for, obtain and maintain employment.

Applications for services must include proof of a qualifying disability diagnosed or assessed by an appropriate professional.

Employment-focused services for people with a mental, psychiatric or learning disability are provided through the regional offices of Manitoba Family Services and Labour. For individuals with physical disabilities, services are provided through three designated agencies.

Individuals with a visual disability may contact:
CNIB
Manitoba Division
1080 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3G 3M3
Phone: 774-5421
Toll-free: 1-800-552-4893
ITY Deaf Access Line: 775-9802
Fax: 775-5090

Individuals with a spinal cord injury may contact:
Canadian Paraplegic Association (CPA)
Manitoba Division
825 Sherbrook Street
Winnipeg, MB R3A 1MS
Phone: 786-4753
Toll-free: 1-800-720-4933
Fax: 786-1140

Individuals with other physical disabilities, including the Deaf or hard of hearing, may contact:
Society for Manitobans with Disabilities (SMD)
825 Sherbrook Street
Winnipeg, MB R3A 1M5
Phone: 975-3010
Toll-free: 1-866-282-8041
TTY Deaf Access: 975-3012
TTY Toll-free: 1-800-225-9108
TTY Deaf Services: 975-3083
Fax: 975-3073