READY, WILLING AND ABLE IN NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR

     The work a company does is much more than simply completing a job. What we do provides us all with social structure and economic means. It is essential for building lasting values and self-esteem. Our work helps us define who we are and our place in the world. The work we do provides us with social structure and economic means. But for more than half a million persons on the Autism spectrum or with an Intellectual Disability, “what do you do?” is no easy question to answer. Ready, Willing and Able is an initiative of Inclusion Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Autism Spectrum Disorders Alliance (CASDA). The Government of Canada has made a three-year investment in Ready, Willing and Able, to work with employers and community agencies in 20 communities across the country. We are committed to generating a minimum of 1200 employment opportunities for people on the Autism spectrum or with Intellectual Disabilities.

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     Ready, Willing and Able is designed to build on, and increase employer capacity and demand to hire people on the Autism Spectrum or with an Intellectual Disability. By creating the effective and responsive linkages between employers and employment agencies supporting people with individuals on the Autism Spectrum and Intellectual Disabilities, we will open new doors of opportunity for our fellow Canadians.

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     With an employment rate of only about 25%, they form a significant untapped labour pool. And while they may be under-employed, persons on the Autism spectrum or with an Intellectual Disability are certainly not unemployable. With effective support and employer leadership, they can join the workforce at rates similar to their peers.