New return-to-work benefits have been announced for people with developmental disabilities supported by Community Living BC (CLBC).
Most of the $10-million investment will be used to supplement employment support services offered through CLBC, a Crown corporation that funds support services for people with development disabilities and special needs.
“This funding will support those laid off due to the pandemic to get back to work, while assisting other people to enter the labour force,” said Social Development and Poverty Reduction Minister Nicholas Simons in a Jan. 18 B.C. government news release.
The money will be available to about 100 agencies that provide employment services, in order to assist the approximately 1,100 people with disabilities supported by CLBC who lost their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic, said the release.
It can be used to hire staff to help people find new work or reconnect with their employers, among other supports.
The remaining $300,000 will be used to improve digital literacy for all people served by CLBC, to connect with others, improve their employability and work from home.
The money will be distributed as grants over the next two years by Inclusion BC, a non-profit organization that advocates for people served by CLBC.
“Eligible employment service providers are invited to apply for funding based on the number of people they are working with who require assistance to reconnect to employment,” said the release.
Applications will open Jan. 25 and the deadline is Feb. 15.
