Our Programs and Support
Family Support Program
This program is focused on providing people with the knowledge, tools, and training they need to advocate for themselves and their family members. There is a strong focus on strengthening communities by connecting families with each other, as well as building a network of family leaders.
How We Support Individuals and Families
- Hosting family workshops that focus on issues specific to families who have a loved one with an intellectual or developmental disability;
- Work with families based on their individual needs and help ensure that their voices are being heard;
- Supporting families to navigate through complex social systems;
- Empowering families and students to be advocates in their classrooms and school;
- Provide opportunities for families to connect as a group for information, connection, and support;
- Providing resources and information that is relevant to families during each step of their journey; and
- Listen to input and feedback to further develop resources and training based on common needs.
Inclusive Education
Inclusion NB works with early learning centres, public schools, and post-secondary institutions to provide seamless and successful transitions for children and youth with an intellectual or developmental disability. We promote inclusion within the education system to provide students of all ages with the supports needed to foster inclusive education and lifelong learning.
Transition to Adult Life
This program is dedicated to helping high school students in grades 10, 11, and 12 with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Our primary goal is to assist them in creating a well-thought-out action plan for a smooth transition into the community immediately after completing high school.
We understand that many of the students who join our program may not initially have clear goals for employment or further education after high school. That’s where we step in. Our experienced team works closely with these students to identify their strengths, interests, and aspirations.
Our program’s dedicated staff members collaborate with students, their families, school networks, and the wider community to ensure that these students can find a meaningful and positive place within the community once they graduate from high school.
Employment Readiness
We work with individuals, families, schools, employers, and employment service agencies across the province to instill the skills and knowledge to effectively support people with an intellectual or developmental disability to access, secure and retain employment.
We plan with people using the Just Enough Support model, which recognizes the importance of seeking the right balance of natural supports, like friends & family, in addition to accessing different types of technology, using a combination of community-based services and paid support. The purpose of this approach is to build bridges and help the person expand their social relationships, personal autonomy and create greater independence.
Transition to Work
Through our Transition to Work program, we support students entering Grade 10 with an intellectual or developmental disability to plan for life after high school with a focus on employment and/or post-secondary education.
Students will be involved in a variety of work preparation activities, in their highschool, while they are attending grades 10-12, such as:
- Learning about different job opportunities and gaining experience in the workplace through experiential learning opportunities;
- Developing essential job readiness skills for gaining employment, such as resume writing, preparing for an interview and employer expectations;
- Participating in a co-op work experience during their Grade 12 year; and
- Exploring post-secondary opportunities along with the appropriate, available supports to achieve their goals.
Support During Post-Secondary
Our Case Management program is designed for students ages 18-30 with an intellectual or developmental disability who are accepted to NBCC/CCNB through the Special Admissions program. We support students to achieve their goals by:
- Identifying supports needed to have a positive and successful experience at NBCC/CCNB;
- Assisting in the preparation of applications for funding (for example, NB Student Loans);
- Monitoring of supports and progress of students;
- Assisting the student in identifying and coordinating work placements; and
- Assisting the student in securing employment opportunities in their field of study following graduation.
Inclusive Employers
One of the cornerstones of our Employment Programs is to promote understanding and awareness, not only among employers but also within the public. We want to highlight the immense value that a diverse labor force brings to businesses and society as a whole. By recognizing the potential and abilities of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, we aim to help employers see the untapped talent pool and benefits of inclusivity.
In New Brunswick more than 70% of adults with an intellectual disability are either unemployed or underemployed. Many people with an intellectual disability want to work. With the right opportunities and supports, those with an intellectual disability have valuable contributions to make to New Brunswick’s workforce and employers have much to gain.
We are committed to fostering a more inclusive and diverse workforce, and we are proud to have Ready, Willing and Able as a vital part of this effort.
Ready, Willing and Able (RWA)
RWA plays a crucial role in connecting and supporting employers, individuals with intellectual disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and local, provincial, and national community agencies. Funded by the Government of Canada, RWA is a partnership between Inclusion Canada and the Autism Alliance of Canada that provides opportunities for individuals with an intellectual disability or Autism to have increased participation in the labour force.
We believe in the power of collaboration to create meaningful change, and RWA stands at the forefront of this collaborative effort.
Life in Community
Being included in the communities in which we choose to live is vital to our overall health and creates a sense of belonging. To build an inclusive New Brunswick, everyone must have the opportunity to actively participate in the places they live, based on their personal preferences.
Independent Facilitation
This is a person-centered approach to planning where the individual is at the forefront of their choices and future. Independent Facilitation is a way for adults with disabilities, aged 19-64, to get information and help to identify goals and navigate requirements for disability support services, housing and anything else they require to live a full and valued life.
Inclusion NB has Independent Facilitators who assist individuals to:
- Develop a vision for their future;
- Identify their needs for disability-related supports, as well as possible options for meeting those needs;
- Apply for government or community programs or services, such as the Disability Support Program; and
- Make informed choices regarding housing based on all options available in their community.
Social Inclusion
WHAT IS SOCIAL INCLUSION?
Social inclusion is about having a sense of belonging in the communities where we choose to live. It’s also about accessing real opportunities to enjoy all that the community has to offer- education, arts, sports, recreation, volunteering, and citizenship. This is instrumental to building an inclusive adult life.
Through Inclusion NB’s Social Inclusion program, we support adults aged 17 and over with an intellectual or developmental disability to be connected to and involved in their community in meaningful ways, such as:
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Becoming involved in recreation, leisure and volunteer opportunities that match their interests and choices;
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Expanding their social relationships;
- Enhancing life skills to assist with navigating living in community;
- Developing strong personal support networks; and
- Planning for a home of their own.
We see the greatest outcomes when individuals actively participate in the planning and goal-setting process, ultimately empowering them and paving the way for their success.
Our team meets people where they are in the journey, and plans using the Just Enough Support model. This recognizes the importance of seeking the right balance of natural supports, such as friends and family, with accessing different types of technology, community-based services and paid support. The purpose of this approach is to build bridges and help the person expand their social relationships, personal autonomy and achieve greater independence.
We actively engage with other organizations within their desired community, fostering connections to create a welcoming, collaborative and inclusive environment.
Our Social Inclusion Program is available in: Moncton, Saint John, Fredericton, Bathurst, and Grand Falls-Edmundston.
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