MentorAbility Canada Hub Highlight Series
Every month, MentorAbility Canada proudly presents one of our implementing partners. They are the MentorAbility coordinators—the backstage workers who quietly go about their tasks to ensure that job seekers, employers, and service providers can shine in the spotlight.
For the French version of this post, please click here.
Pour la version française de cet article, veuillez cliquer ici.
MentorAbility Ontario:
Collaboration and Adaptation for Inclusion in a Dynamic Landscape
In Ontario, a province in constant evolution, the job market is rapidly transforming. In this context, MentorAbility Ontario stands out as a key player in promoting the inclusion of persons experiencing disability. Through strategic partnerships and a dedicated team, the program facilitates meaningful connections that transform lives and workplaces.
Collaboration for a Strong Foundation
MentorAbility’s collaboration with March of Dimes Canada (MODC) and the Ontario Disability Employment Network (ODEN) plays a vital role in the coordination of the initiative in Ontario. This partnership leads to constructive exchanges, in-depth analyses of employer engagement strategies, and the pursuit of innovative solutions to promote inclusion.
Each province has its unique challenges and opportunities, and MODC and ODEN ensure that MentorAbility Ontario is tailored to the specific needs of the region.
Monthly Meetings: A Space for Exchange and Growth
The MentorAbility Ontario Hub organizes monthly meetings with its service provider partners. These meetings provide an open space for communication, knowledge sharing, and collective problem-solving. The team is committed to offering ongoing support, providing access to learning opportunities, and sharing the latest project information, creating a sense of belonging and a common purpose among its partners.
“Working on the MentorAbility Canada project is an inspiring experience as it fosters meaningful connections, opening pathways to employment, and advancing inclusion. It’s rewarding to witness firsthand the impact of mentorship in empowering diverse talents and creating inclusive opportunities.”
Julia Douglas, MentorAbility Coordinator at MODC
A Win-Win for Doug and OpenText
Doug’s story perfectly illustrates the transformative power of mentorship. Thanks to MentorAbility, Doug met a mentor at OpenText, who guided and encouraged him to apply for a position within the company.
Today, Doug has been successfully employed as a Billing Coordinator at OpenText for over three years, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness. The impact is also evident for OpenText, which continues to actively participate in MentorAbility and has included the program in its annual Corporate Social Responsibility report.
Ongoing Adaptation to Dynamic Landscape
The coordinators of MentorAbility Ontario, Julia Douglas and Lisa Livingston of MODC and Jodi Delage of ODEN, expertly navigate the complex and ever-changing landscape of employment services in the province. They understand the specific challenges of a dynamic social and economic environment, and continuously adapt to ensure ongoing support for service providers. Their commitment to fostering engagement and to providing timely and relevant resources to their network is essential to the program’s success.
An Ambitious Vision for the Future
Since 2020, the landscape of employment services in Ontario has undergone a transformation, including the creation of 15 catchment areas across the province, each with a System Service Manager. The goal is to better coordinate employment services according to local needs.
This new approach has presented both challenges and opportunities for MentorAbility Ontario. Each region has its own economic realities, and the program has adapted to meet local requirements.
Despite the complexities and necessary adjustments, MentorAbility Ontario continues to support its partners with tailored solutions for each region, ensuring inclusive access to employment services for persons experiencing disability across the province.
“MentorAbility Canada provides invaluable opportunities for individuals living with disabilities to explore diverse career paths and employment options in a safe, supported, and risk-free environment.
“This initiative also allows businesses to discover the unique skills and talents that people with disabilities can bring to the workforce, increasing their knowledge of disability employment and opening them up to new solutions to their hiring needs. It has been very exciting to witness so many amazing matches and new beginnings.”
Lisa Livingstone, MentorAbility Coordinator at MODC
Become a Mentor or Mentee Today!
MentorAbility Ontario is actively seeking mentors and mentees to participate in this transformative program. By becoming a mentor or mentee, you can help build a more inclusive and accessible professional future in Ontario.
Mentors and mentees are supported throughout the process.
For more information, contact one of the MentorAbility Coordinators below.
March of Dimes Canada
(click on organization name to go to website)
Contact: Lisa Livingston Phone: 519-579-5530 ext. 262 Email: [email protected]March of Dimes Canada
(click on organization name to go to website)
Contact: Julia Douglas Phone: 289-221-3684 (mobile) Email: [email protected]ODEN
(click on organization name to go to website)
Contact: Jodi Delage Toll Free: 1-866-280-6366 ext. 119 Email: [email protected]