BURNABY, British Columbia, January 13, 2014 – The Neil Squire Society announced today that the TELUS Vancouver Community Board (new window) will be providing $12,000 to support the Youth Employ-Ability Program; a skills development program for youth with physical disabilities in Metro Vancouver.

Youth Employ-Ability, an offshoot of the Society’s Employ-Ability Program, prepares young Canadians with physical disabilities for future employment and education opportunities. The program offers a holistic experience that addresses participants’ complete learning needs, including soft skills and personal requirements, while building their career development assets. Aimed at those who are most marginalized in society, Youth Employ-Ability is offered at no cost to participants.

With the support of the TELUS Vancouver Community Board, Youth Employ-Ability will serve 20 youth with physical disabilities.

“According to BC Statistics, youth with disabilities are 12% less likely to have a job compared to other youth, and are slipping through the cracks,” said Rob Attwell, Board Chair, Neil Squire Society. “The support from the TELUS Vancouver Community Board allows us to reach young people with disabilities across Metro Vancouver, and help them connect with the education and employment opportunities in our community.”

The support of community partners, such as the TELUS Vancouver Community Board, is critical in broadening the Neil Squire Society’s reach to youth and providing programming that addresses the specific employment needs of youth with physical disabilities.