Accessible Biz Connections (ABC) Opportunities Fund
March of Dimes Canada’s Accessible Biz Connections (ABC) project is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities. The Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities assists persons with disabilities to prepare for, obtain and maintain employment. It supports persons with disabilities in overcoming barriers to participation in the Canadian labour market, and it supports employers to hire persons with disabilities. This program supports a wide range of programs and services, including job search supports, pre-employability services, wage subsidies, work placements and employer awareness initiatives to encourage employers to hire persons with disabilities.
Individuals
Through the Opportunities Fund, you may be able to get funding for one or more of the following:
- Tuition for short-term training such as First Aid/CPR, WHMIS, AZ/DZ and Security
- Wage subsidies for employers
- Work-related purchases
- Employment assistance services
Eligibility
Want to know if the Opportunities Fund is for you? Go through the checklist to find out. You can apply for the Opportunities Fund if:
- You have a permanent disability or chronic health condition
- You are unemployed or underemployed
- You are legally eligible to work in Canada
- You are not EI or EI reach back eligible
Employers
Are you an employer looking to diversify your business and hire someone with a disability? You may be eligible to apply for wage subsidies or skills training for your new employee.
Employers who hire a new employee utilizing ABC may also be eligible to receive disability support services such as the provision of funding for technology or equipment, workshops (such as Mental Health First Aid for their staff), and on-site job coaching for their new employee