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On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will happen between 2:00 p.m. and 4:35 p.m. Do not look directly at the sun. Families at the hospital during the eclipse are invited to stay inside for its duration.

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Youth employment programs

We help youth with disabilities connect with early work opportunities

Youth at work

We help youth with disabilities  who are in high school connect with early work opportunities such as volunteering, co-op and paid employment. Check out our experience-based life skills programs and other employment services.

Holland Bloorview's volunteering and employment programs for youth

First point of contact for all programs:

Information & Application Session


 

Our programs

VolunteerABLE (Fall/Winter) or Youth@Work (Summer): Complete volunteer work placements with Holland Bloorview and earn volunteer hours. A job coach supports you to learn your roles and reach your goals. You meet other participants for life skills and career development workshops. 

Employment Action Coaching: If your goal is to start to volunteer or work or link to a co-op opportunity through your high school, you will learn about how to match your interests and strengths to opportunities, make applications and do interviews. We offer 3 sessions with a coach to start the first steps on your action plan.  

Ready to Work: Holland Bloorview job coaches help you connect with a Toronto employer and get you started in your paid summer job. (For youth who want a summer job and have participated in one of VolunteerABLE or Youth@Work and Employment Action Coaching. Youth must apply, interview and demonstrate commitment to job search activities and be available for summer work.)

 

    Project SEARCH Toronto

    Project SEARCH Toronto is a school to work transition program for students with disabilities and special education needs in their final year of high school.

    Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital is proud to be a co-site host for the Project SEARCH Toronto program, together with UHN. Our other partners include: Community Living Toronto, Toronto District School Board and United Way Greater Toronto.

    Learn more about the program at projectsearchtoronto.ca Logo of Project SEARCH Toronto (graphic of person)

    Co-op placements for high school students at Holland Bloorview

    Our Volunteer Resources team coordinates co-op placement opportunities for high school students. You can learn more here.

    Holland Bloorview is also a co-site host (with UHN) in the Project SEARCH Toronto initiative.

    Getting ready for life after high school? Virtual workshop series

    Are you or someone in your life thinking about life after high school? Join our virtual group events for Toronto-based families and youth (ages of 14-26) with a disability and special education needs.

    In each session you will learn about relevant resources and services, hear from lived experience mentors, and take a practical next step in the topic area. 

    See our flyer for session descriptions and registration links.

    Finishing high school and moving on to employment and/or continued learning? Virtual workshop

    This workshop is facilitated by Holland Bloorview and ConnectAbility.ca

     

    Workshop is designed for families and youth who are:

    • On diverse high school pathways including: students taking non-credit courses, graduating with a certificate or in a special education program
    • Between the ages of 16-26

     

    Discuss and explore:

    • Accessing employment supports and resources
    • Other learning options and programs
    • Related online community resources
    • Hearing from staff, families and partners
    Headed to college or university? Post-secondary education & career virtual workshop series

    Designed for youth:

    • In high-school (grades 10, 11, 12 or 12+) and working towards your OSSD
    • Living with a disability and/or an autism spectrum disorder
    • Living in Ontario 

    Parents/guardians are welcome to participate.

    Virtual workshops are interactive. They include a mix of information (presentation style), discussion, activities and an opportunity to ask questions. We engage Youth Mentors to share their lived experiences.

    See our events page for workshop topics, flyer and to register. The sessions will run live again in 2023/23. Recordings are available here. (Scroll to bottom and open workshop series section).

    Virtual family workshops: Starting early to prepare for employment and transitions

     

    For employers

    Partner with Holland Bloorview to promote youth employment inclusion

     

    Ready to Work:

    Holland Bloorview job coaches connect employers with qualified, enthusiastic youth for summer positions


    Employer resources & toolkits

    • Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work (CCRW): Promotes and supports meaningful and equitable employment of people with disabilities. Offers a range of resources  and services for employers.
    • CivicAction: Roadmap for youth-inclusive hiring.
    • Discoverability:  A free online portal for employers with a 6-step guide for employers about hiring—and retaining—employees with disabilities.
    • Hire for Talent: Free employer toolkit - leverage the talent of people with disabilities.
    • Magnet: A free platform that matches employers with candidates who have the education and/or work experience you need.
    • Ontario Disability Employment Network (ODEN): Provides resources, strategic consultation services and information about the business case for hiring individuals with disabilities.
    • Ready, Willing & Able: Supports you with resources, consultation, and answers to your questions about the modern inclusive workforce.
    • RWA Works: A free resource hub providing the know-how and resources to support businesses in hiring employees with an intellectual disability or autism spectrum disorder.

    Our employment programs and services are part of the Transitions, Recreation, and Life Skills services at Holland Bloorview and are linked to our organization’s strategy to support transitions to adult life. All of our employment programs are supported by donations to the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation. 

     

     

    Contact Us
    Mathias Castaldo or Carolyn McDougall
    416-425-6220
    Ext.
    3328
    Virtual Programming

    icon for virtual care

    To better connect with you, we are now offering a number of programs in a virtual environment. Contact us to learn more!