Ready, Willing and Able

Written By Lethbridge Family Services

Program Description

Ready, Willing and Able (RWA) is a national partnership of Inclusion Canada and Autism Alliance of Canada and their member organizations. Funded by the Government of Canada’s Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities, RWA is designed to increase the labour force participation of people with an intellectual disability or on the autism spectrum.

RWA's focus is on the employer and connecting with businesses to help them hire inclusively. Ready, Willing and Able (RWA) provides funding to employment agencies that assist individuals hired for RWA-generated jobs. This funding helps cover on-the-job supports needed for employees to succeed in their roles.

There are over 500,000 working-aged adults in Canada with an intellectual disability or ASD, all ready, willing and able to join the labour force. Since 2014, RWA has worked with thousands of businesses across Canada to address their labour force needs through inclusive hiring.

Eligibility

To be eligible, an individual must:

  • Be currently employed

  • Be ineligible for provincially funded on-the-job supports

  • Self-identify as having an intellectual disability or autism

Our support is limited to job maintenance support for the employee. 

Service Area

We can provide services in Lethbridge and surrounding areas—we have supported individuals in Taber, Magrath, Coaldale,  Coalhurst and Lethbridge. 

Cost & Hours

The program funding is provided by RWA, so there is no cost to the individual or the employer. The hours available for support depend on the individual’s needs—it can be as little as a few hours a month if that is all they need. 

Access

Individuals can self-refer to the program or be referred by other agencies. For more information, please email EGarrett@LFSfamily.ca or call 403-320-9119.

Program Outcomes

The goal of the program is to help individuals with an intellectual disability or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) maintain their employment by working with businesses to build inclusive workplaces that capitalize on their skills and qualifications.

Online Resources

Ready, Willing & Able: readywillingable.ca
Inclusion Canada: www.inclusioncanada.ca
Autism Alliance of Canada autismalliance.ca
Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities: www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/opportunity-fund-disability.html

 

Contact: Emma Garrett
Email: EGarrett@LFSfamily.ca
Phone: 403-320-9119
Service Location: 1107 2A Avenue North, Lethbridge, AB
Office Hours:
Monday–Friday 
8:00 am—4:00 pm
Closed Statutory Holidays

Lethbridge Family Services
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