Section V

Some of the more obvious economic costs associated with disability in relation to the labour market are outlined. The criteria for eligibility for the range of income supplements are in conflict with each other. Income support related to requirements of a disability (attendant care, mobility aids, adaptive technologies, interpreter services, medication) preclude the disabled applicant from meeting eligibility requirements for pre-employment training and other labour market adjustment initiatives. There is economic prudence in the commitment to consult and collaborate with the disabled constituency group in the design of enterprises facilitating their inclusion in the labour market. Wherever possible this should be promoted, regulated, and monitored instead of leaving individuals on the economic periphery of Canadian society.

Section VI

Effective and essential program components enhancing disabled persons' transitions to the labour market are featured. Recent attention to the individual learning and workplace characteristics of disabled people has resulted in innovative programs supporting transitions from education to training and into the labour force (cooperative education and other models for career education preparation). Programs that have been designed from the conceptual stage through to outcomes with disabled persons in mind do not receive sufficient study. Analysis of successful strategies reflective of and responsive to the individual characteristics of this population is required.

Section VII

The report concludes with a number of directions for change including recommendations and items requiring action at public policy, program, and service levels. Action on these elements will provide wider mutual benefits and economically viable change.

The observations and conclusions were developed with a view to the interests, mandate, and linkages of CLFDB partners. Provincial or territorial level boards are the ultimate agents responsible for the implementation of regionally responsive and reflective labour force adjustment programming. The report recognizes that many factors operate across a number of policy and program areas that either assist or hinder the transitions of disabled persons in the labour market.