What is ACHIEVE?
Achieve is an Employment Program for People with Disabilities funded by the Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance and delivered by CMHA Kootenays in partnership with THEO-BC. Achieve is designed to assist Persons with Disabilities to achieve their economic and social potential to the fullest extent possible. This can be achieved through pursuing employment goals, building employability skills, increasing self-reliance and or strengthening community participation.
Program Outcomes:
- Increased access to needed supports
- Full-time employment (20 or more hours per week)
- Part-time employment (4 to 20 hours per week)
- Volunteer placement (4 or more hours per week)
- Self-employment
- Better understanding of the disability as it relates to employment
- Increased connection to the community
How do I achieve these Outcomes?
Upon acceptance, you will complete a thorough assessment of your abilities, strengths, skills, current situation, employment barriers, work experience, education, resources, and how your disability affects employment. A personal service plan will be developed to include the results of the assessments along with an employment goal. This plan will act as your road map to success. We are here to support you as you move along the road to success, but only you can guarantee your success!
Pre-Employment Services
Preparing for employment may be difficult if you have been out of the work force for a long period of time or require more experience. Based on your needs, we are able to offer workshops to build your confidence, motivation and improve work history and skills. Workshops may include:
- Disability Management
- Job Readiness
- Employability Skills
- Work experience / Work simulation
Can I get training through Achieve?
If, through the assessment process, it becomes clear that you require upgrading or re-training, we will consider various options.
On the job and having difficulties?
We will work with you to assist in resolving any challenges you face while employed. Depending on your situation, this may or may not involve direct contact with your employer.
On the job and having difficulties?
We will work with you to assist in resolving any challenges you face while employed. Depending on your situation, this may or may not involve direct contact with your employer.
How do I know if I am eligible?
Our services are for you if:
- You have a desire and the potential to move into employment or employment related activities;
- You have a verified and permanent disability that is your main barrier to employment;
- You are of working age;
- You are a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant and a BC resident;
- You are not involved in another Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance Program;
- You do not have an open ICBC, WCB or other insurance claim related to employment.
You can either self-refer by contacting CMHA Kootenays in your area or contact your Employment and Assistance worker at the Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance 1.866.866.0800 for a referral.
For more information, call 250.426.8019 or email lbender@cmhakootenays.org
Abilities 2 Business
Abilities 2 Business is a Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance funded program, delivered in partnership with Sustainable Employment Network Inc. (SENI). This program is designed to assist persons with disablilities (PWD) who desire to work may have career interestes that can be better managed through self-employment.
Services are only available to two categories of clients:
Abilities 2 Business is a combination of three distinct modules:
Module 1 - Orientation and Self Assessment
