Province Helping Young Adults with Special Needs

Young adults with special needs living in metro Halifax will receive support from the province to help with the transition from high school to independent living.

The Department of Community Services and the Department of Education agreed today, April 30, to once again fund the Access to Community Education and Employment program, which is operated by the Independent Living Resource Centre.

It is the second straight year the two departments have funded the Halifax-based education and employment program.

The program will help up to 24 recent public school graduates with special needs obtain life skills, job development and employment training.

The federal government, which had previously funded the program, has yet to commit to supporting the program for next year.

"This program is very important to these young adults who need the basic skills so they can live and work independently, and lead fulfilling lives," said Community Services Minister Judy Streatch. "Our funding means the program will go ahead in September."

Education and Community Services will provide the Independent Living Resource Centre with up to $205,000. The centre is also exploring federal funding options.

Education Minister Karen Casey said it is important students have the opportunity to get the skills and training they need after they have fulfilled all their high school requirements and can no longer benefit from the school system.

"We need to bridge those gaps in service so these former students can reach their full potential," Ms. Casey said.

Lois Miller, executive director of the Independent Living Resource Centre, said she and program participants are extremely pleased the provincial government is helping to keep the program in place for another year.

"The Access to Community Education and Employment program will again offer young men and women with disabilities an important option to let them move confidently into employment or further education," she said.

Access to Community Education and Employment is delivered through a partnership involving the Independent Living Resource Centre, Affirmative Industries, TEAM Work Co-operative, Community Services, Education, Halifax Regional School Board, and NSCC.

The departments of Education and Community Services, the Strait Regional School Board, and the Nova Scotia Community College are also developing a pilot program in the Strait to enhance options for young adults graduating from Strait schools with special needs.