EmployAbilities congratulates four individuals who completed the Step Up Program!
The Step Up Program is a pre-employment program that focuses on individualized programming for persons with developmental disabilities(PDD).  We are proud of our graduates as all of them have found employment!
The Step Up graduation was well attended by family, friends, and other Step Up program participants.  We were also pleased to welcome special guest Ron deChamplain, a Consultant in the PDD Edmonton Region, who shared his congratulations to the graduates for their great achievements.  We also heard messages from Iris Saunders, Director of EmployAbilities; Brenda Behr and Wendy Bourque, Step Up Employment Coaches; and from graduates David and Eric who shared their experiences and thanked EmployAbilities staff for their support and encouragement.
Participants left with the theme “Don’t Stop Believing”.¬† The song itself was performed by Step Up graduate Eric to bring the event to a close.¬† Please enjoy the photo gallery below.¬† You can see the full photo by clicking on it.
About the Step Up Program
The STEP UP Program is a flexible, unique pre-employment program that focuses on individualized programming for PDD individuals, to assist them with their job-search, volunteer, and educational endeavors.
The program offers regular one-on-one support, as well as workshops on issues that pose as potential barriers to individuals (including self-esteem, employer expectations, anger management, social skills, disability disclosure, and computer basics).
Other activities provided to individuals include:
-  Resume Development
-  Cover Letter Creation
-  Job Interview Preparation
-  Mock Interviews
-  Job Search (on-line, newspapers, job board)
-  Application Assistance (for employment)
-  Resume Faxing
-  Computer Access (Ultra Keys Typing Tutor, Success Maker, Internet)
-  Employer and Community Agency Contacting/Liaising
-  Mentoring
-  Advocacy
-  Outreach and Referrals to various community organizations (as required)
-  Effective and Realistic Goal Planning
The Step Up Program is tailored to suit each individual’s needs, to facilitate successful outcomes in achieving specific objectives.  Individuals in the program are also encouraged to dedicate some of their time to enhancing their work skills.  This is augmented through the various interactive workshops that are offered weekly.
Intake is ongoing, as spaces become available.  Please Contact Us for more information.
