The Opportunities Program (TOP)

Employment Support for Persons with Disabilities 

YWCA Hamilton is now welcoming Participants and Employers to The Opportunities Program (T.O.P). This program assists persons with self-disclosed disabilities to prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment. It focuses on the needs of each person and seeks to develop skills to improve their employability through one-on-one and group coaching at YWCA Hamilton and work placement through workplace experience.

T.O.P. provides up to 6 weeks of one-on-one and group support for individuals who self-identify with a disability that restricts their ability to find and maintain employment.

A 14 week supported paid work experience placement is available for participants who are seeking full-time, long-term employment.

To be eligible for the program, you must be:

• A person with a self-disclosed disability
• Not eligible for EI benefits or related services / programs
• Legally entitled to work in Ontario; A Canadian citizen, permanent resident or person who has been granted refugee status in Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
• Anyone over the age of 16 is welcome to apply

Become a T.O.P. Employer:

• Receive compensation for providing employment opportunities to people with disabilities.
• Develop inclusive recruitment strategies to reduce turnover and build employee satisfaction.
• Build a corporate culture; by building a business that is accessible and inclusive.
• Work Assessments tailored to business needs.

T.O.P. Employees are trained in job-specific skills that can be tailored to employer requirements.

• Soft skills include: Communication, Time Management, and Self-Esteem
• Job-specific requirements include: Health & Safety, W.H.M.I.S., A.O.D.A.,  First Aid/CPR and  Financial Literacy
• Smart Serve and Safe Food Handling

PROGRAM UPDATE DURING COVID-19:

Staff are connecting with clients and employers via telephone, Zoom, email and Facebook.

For more information, please contact: