Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre

Access Ability Wage Subsidy Program

Looking to find employment with entrepreneurial led organizations?

About

Are you looking to get hired?
For those living with self-identified disabilities who want to focus on building transferable skills for success in job hunting and on the job, we offer the Access Ability Wage Subsidy Program.

The Wage Subsidy Program is your opportunity to gain real employment experience. The program will help you find supportive employment with the support of a wage subsidy. The goal of the program is to help you get the skills and training necessary to stay on with your employer when the subsidy runs out.

What to expect:

  • Find meaningful employment with the help of a $9 per hour wage subsidy (up to $6,300).
  • Get support in preparing for job searching (perfecting your resume, cover letter, interviews)
  • Access to one-on-one coaching
  • Flexible and hybrid employment opportunities
  • Opportunities for funding to support your needs and accommodations
Access Ability Wage Subsidy Program for Participants

Program Requirements

  • Eligible to work in Canada
  • Resident of Atlantic Canada (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, and Labrador)
  • Self-identifies as living with a disability
Access Ability Wage Subsidy Program for Participants

Benefits

  • Build skills and knowledge necessary for personal and workplace success through a wide variety of workshops
  • Get paid for expanding your knowledge—earn up to $600 for participating
  • Support in finding your next job
  • Flexible online sessions

Testimonials

Working with Access Ability program has been a great experience for our company. The program did not only enhance our chance to grow our team to help us grow but it also helped us improve in employee engagement and productivity. The collaboration has been seamless; the team is responsive and genuinely invested in our success. We appreciate the tailored approach that addresses our unique challenges. Overall, we are thrilled with the outcomes and look forward to continuing our journey together. Thank you!
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Just Cycle

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay to join the program?

The program is free to join. In many cases, we pay you so that you can join stress free.

Fill out the application form.

Choose the program(s) that interest(s) you.

Reach out to us at AccessAbility@smu.ca with any questions.

You can do both the Entrepreneurial Mindset Certificate and/or the Wage Subsidy Program. There are a limited number of work placements available, and they will be filled on first come first serve basis.

Yes. We will review applications and interview, as necessary.

For the Wage Subsidy Program, participants are hired on by an employer and paid through their payroll system. Our wage subsidy will go directly to the employer.

No, the program is for anyone that self-identifies as living with a disability in Atlantic Canada.

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