Students

Are you a student with a permanent disability from Nova Scotia looking for full- or part-time employment to help connect what you are learning in the classroom to the workforce?

Accessible Learning Services is excited to offer the Work Integrated Learning Program this year, which can help with just that! This program was developed with grant funding from the Province of Nova Scotia and connects students with disabilities with employment opportunities, while also providing employment readiness workshops and support.

This program is offered year-round for part-time and full-time subsidized work placements, as well as volunteer opportunities. Students will work closely with Emily Duffett, Coordinator, Work Integrated Learning to determine employment goals, help to connect what you are learning in the classroom to employment, and find employment opportunities.

Benefits

• Help build your network and develop professional skills needed in a competitive workforce.
• Gain relevant experience in your field of interest through subsidized employment opportunities or volunteer opportunities.
• Develop your skills and competencies through employment, workshops, and networking.
• Develop career goals while connecting them to what you are learning in the classroom.

Eligibility Criteria for the Wage Subsidy

• You are a student with a permanent disability.
• A student from Nova Scotia.
• Register with Nova Scotia Student Assistance.

If you don't meet the criteria but you are still interested in learning employment readiness skills, want to meet to talk about goals, or for help connecting what you are learning in the classroom to employment, please email wil@acadiau.ca, as there may still be opportunities to meet and attend workshops.

Learn More

Email wil@acadiau.ca to learn more or to request a virtual meeting!

Information for Employers

Are you a Nova Scotia employer who is looking to hire additional personnel but don’t have the resources to do so? Acadia University’s Accessible Learning Services is excited to be offering the Work Integrated Learning Program this year which can help you do just that!

This program was developed with grant funding from the Province of Nova Scotia and connects students with disabilities with employment opportunities, while also providing employment readiness workshops and support. This program is offered year-round for part-time and full-time subsidized work placements, as well as volunteer opportunities. Students will work closely with Emily Duffett, Coordinator, Work Integrated Learning to determine employment goals, help to connect what they are learning in the classroom to employment, and find employment opportunities. They will continue to work closely with the Coordinator throughout the employment placement to ensure needs and expectations are being met. The Coordinator will also check in regularly with the employer to ensure needs and expectations are being met.

The 2017 Canadian Study on Disability found that only 59% of persons with disabilities were in the workforce compared to 80% without a disability. This discrepancy can occur because of several factors including lack of employment opportunities while in school, misunderstanding on the part of employers around disabilities, or even the stigma around employing someone with a disability. The WIL Program aims to help alleviate these concerns, while also making a meaningful contribution to the Nova Scotia economy.

Why hire a student through the Work Integrated Learning Program?

• A wage subsidy that covers 50% of a $15.00 per hour wage.
• Ongoing support for both the employer and the student.
• Professional Development opportunities to learn about disabilities/accommodations in the workforce.
• Flexible start/end dates and number of hours.
• Access to students enrolled in any of the degree programs that Acadia offers.
• Volunteer stream if you need additional personnel but don’t have the resources to cover part of the wages.

Learn More

Email wil@acadiau.ca for more information about this exciting new program or to request a virtual meeting!

Contact

disability.access@acadiau.ca
Tel: 902.585.1291, 902.585.1605, 902.585.1823

Fax: 902.585.1093

Mail: Accessible Learning Services, Box 189
Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6

Rhodes Hall, Rooms 111 — 115