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A new program is making money available for Canadians with disabilities who want to source assistive devices that may help them obtain employment.
The money can be used to pay for any kind of specialist equipment – from custom devices such as devised by Tetra volunteers to more common items like powerchairs – that enables someone to land a job.
Paul Gauthier (right), of BC Personal Supports Network, detailed the Canadian government’s $20 million Equipment and Assistive Technology Initiative (EATI) program, to ConnecTra Society members in early 2011.
He said the program made money available for assistive technology for anyone with a disability who has employment-related goals, or goals leading to employment. To qualify, you must be unemployed or wanting to upgrade work-related skills.
“We’re talking about participation that might be as simple as going to the grocery store,” he said. “The federal government has made $20 million available to provincial government to have assistive technology available for people interested in getting into the labour market.
“It’s about supplying the necessary equipment so people can participate and start to go through to employment. We’ve been hearing needs for screen readers, van conversions, electronic door openers, speech recognition software, or an electric wheelchair.”
People must self-identify as having a disability, he said – EATI does not need a doctor’s referral. Nor does the program concern itself with people’s income, savings or tax returns. People earning less than $500 per month qualify, but not anyone eligible for EI, as there is funding available through that program.
Requests take from three weeks to two-and-a-half months, and the program ensures training is given to operate new assistive devices, added Gauthier.
People receiving Tetra projects are asked to contribute towards volunteer costs, including materials and mileage.
