Opportunities Fund

Benefitting Employers & Employees

As a provincial community coordinator for the Opportunities Fund for People with Disabilities Program, we bring employees and employers together by providing a wage subsidy for employers to hire people with disabilities. Opportunities Fund is funded by the Government of Canada under Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). This program provides a subsidy of 60-80% contribution of the current minimum wage rate to a maximum of 36 weeks. Employers will contribute 20-40% of participant’s wages as well as the mandatory employment-related costs (MERCS) and Workers Compensation Fees. 

Participants are offered dependent care and transportation where appropriate and required. The Opportunities Fund also has funding available for disability-related supports, and adaptive technology should they be required for a successful transition to the workforce.

The Opportunities Fund now has a Career Advancement stream available to people with disabilities who are already employed, but looking to advance in their careers through professional development or additional training.

This program is for work-ready individuals of all ages, who identify with a disability to help them prepare for, obtain and maintain employment. Applications are available to people with disabilities seeking employment as well as employers who are hiring; all applications are assessed with the goal of sustained employment. 

Participant Eligibility

  • Self-identifies as having a permanent disability (physical or mental) that restricts their ability to perform daily activities.
  • Legally entitled to work in Canada. 
  • Require assistance to obtain and keep employment

New funding announced!

The Opportunities Fund has received new funding to support people with disabilities and employers across the province. If you self-identify as having a disability and need help on your career journey, or are an employer looking to hire, please contact Paula Hayes, Employment & Educational Services Director paula@eastersealsnl.ca, or Rachel Warren, Opportunities Fund and ‘I Can Too!’ Disability Education Coordinator rachel@eastersealsnl.ca.

Easter Seals Newfoundland & Labrador | ESNL Easter Seals Newfoundland & Labrador | ESNL

  • Let's Chat

If you self-identify as having a disability and need help on your career journey, or are an employer looking to hire, please contact Paula Hayes, Employment & Educational Services Director paula@eastersealsnl.ca 709.754.1399 ext. 225 or Rachel Warren, Opportunities Fund and 'I Can Too!' Disability Education Coordinator rachel@eastersealsnl.ca 709.754.1399 ext. 231

Service Sign Up

To learn more about this program, you can submit the form here and a member of our team will reach out to you.

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Our goal is to provide people of all ages with physical, cognitive, and any other disabilities with the opportunity to participate in programs and services that aim to build inclusion in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Charitable Number 11905 5085 RR0001

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