Employment and Immigration

Disability related employment supports provide assistance to Albertans in overcoming the barriers to employment created by their disability.

DRES provides individualized employment and training supports to people with disabilities to assist them to successfully:

•complete AE&I programs and services, and/or
•attend post-secondary institutions and AE&I approved training programs, and/or
•enter the workforce and maintain employment.

DRES is a support element in Alberta Employment and Immigration (AE&I) programs and services and in post-secondary education leading to employment.

If, as part of the employability assessment, it is determined that the individual has disability related needs, DRES may be considered as one of the available interventions.

Eligibility Criteria

Potential clients must:

•have a documented permanent or long term disability that creates a barrier to employment
•be work destined in the competative labour market and have a client investment plan  
•be an Alberta resident
•be outside the K-12 education system

Summary

Disability related employment supports are offered in four areas:

Workplace Supports
Workplace supports assist Albertans to make a successful transition to the workplace or to maintain employment during a disability-related job crisis. The supports may include a job coach, worksite modification or assistive technology.

Job Search Supports
DRES covers goods and services that are disability related and over and above those provided by mainstream services.  This could include, for example, a sign language interpreter so that a client with a hearing impairment can attend a job search workshop.

Educational Supports
Educational support involves assistance to learners preparing for employment through post-secondary education, basic skill training, academic upgrading, or labour market programs. Support can include sign language interpreters, tutors, note takers, readers and student assistants.

Assistive Technology
Assistive technology includes the purchase and set-up of technology supports required to alleviate, reduce or remove a barrier to education, training or employment. This can include software programs.

For more information contact your nearest Canada-Alberta Service Centre. Call the RITE line toll-free at 310-0000 to reach the centre nearest you, or visit http://www.alis.gov.ab.ca/career/cs/abcareer.asp

Information is also available by calling the Career Information Hotline at 1-800-661-3753. In Edmonton call 780-422-4266. Employer inquiries are welcomed.

Alberta Contact(s):

Career Information Hotline
Alberta Employment and Immigration
Telephone: 780-422-4266 (Edmonton)
Fax: 780-422-0372
Toll-free (information): 1-800-661-3753 (throughout Alberta)
TTY Toll-free (hearing impaired): 1-800-232-7215
TTY (hearing impaired): 780-422-5283
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it