TORONTO, May 30, 2024 — In time for National AccessAbility Week, March of Dimes Canada (MODC) is pleased to announce the launch of Online Employment Services, supported by a generous donation from TD Bank Group (TD). Online Employment Services are a transformative new initiative that connects people with disabilities with online bilingual employment support, regardless of accessibility barriers or where they live.

‘Everyone who wants to work should have the support they need to pursue their goal,” says Lesley Smith, March of Dimes Canada’s Vice-President and Executive Director, Skills Development & Employment. “Thanks to TD, our new Online Employment Services are available free of charge and will reach people with disabilities who face barriers to accessing services. The only eligibility requirement is a desire to connect with us.” 

"TD is committed to helping create supportive and inclusive communities that enable everyone to thrive," said Robyn Small, Senior Manager, Philanthropy, Sustainability & Corporate Citizenship, TD Bank Group. "Through our corporate citizenship platform, the TD Ready Commitment, we are proud to support March of Dimes Canada in expanding its Online Employment Services program across Canada. By providing high-impact employment training and reducing job market barriers and challenges, this program is opening doors to employment opportunities for people with disabilities, while providing a means to feel and be financially secure."

MODC expects the program will directly support 250 people with disabilities this year, while also working with participating employers to promote disability inclusion in the workplace and develop their inclusivity policies, practices and cultures. Just like the employment services MODC offers in-person across Canada, Online Employment Services will support people with disabilities to become more independent and financially secure through employment training and connections to their local workforce.

Through a series of eight to 10 hour-long sessions, Online Employment Services delivers personalized job plans, resume creation, and interview coaching. Virtual assessments identify participants’ strengths and challenges at every phase of their employment journey. This highly personalized approach continues with on-the-job support to help ensure ongoing success. 

Partnerships with local community service agencies will enable career exposure through mentorships and job placements. These collaborations will aim to offer webinars and educational sessions covering various aspects of employability for program participants, delivering local, in-person support when required. 

“Inclusivity and equal access shouldn't be a matter of where you live,” adds Len Baker, President and CEO at March of Dimes Canada. “Through Online Employment Services and support from TD, people with disabilities in underserved and northern communities can pursue their employment goals with the same level of bilingual one-to-one support MODC provides their neighbours across Canada, from the moment they begin exploring career options until well after they’re successfully hired.”

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About March of Dimes Canada  

March of Dimes Canada is a leading national charity committed to championing equity, empowering ability, and creating real change so the more than eight million people with disabilities across Canada can unlock the richness in their lives. We do that by providing programs and services that empower our service users to thrive at home and in their communities. Our work is grounded in the voices of the people we serve, built on a foundation of service, and backed by a more than 70-year history of success.