January 28, 2025
Toronto – March of Dimes Canada (MODC) is thrilled to announce a renewed collaboration with DIGITAL, Canada’s Global Innovation Cluster for digital technologies, to expand access to digital and generative AI skills training for people with disabilities.
This renewed collaboration includes a one-year funding commitment of $600,000 for
SkillingUp, a sector-leading digital skills training and mentorship program for people with disabilities across Canada. As part of this funding, Microsoft Canada is renewing its commitment to SkillingUp by offering AI resources to enhance and expand SkillingUp.
“Supporting people with disabilities by expanding access to digital skills training and technological knowhow is an investment in our common future,” said Len Baker, MODC President and CEO. “Dismantling barriers and driving innovation are two of the surest ways to improve the lives of people with disabilities across Canada.”
The new funds will enable more than 1,500 people to access the program and will help MODC hire additional learning support specialists who work directly with program participants, making sure they get the most out of their experience and assisting them with required coursework.
SkillingUp is offered in collaboration with the CIBC Foundation, Microsoft Canada, and DIGITAL. Courses are available online throughout the year in both English and French.
The program helps people with disabilities become more competitive in today’s job market by offering certification in leading computer software, such as Microsoft Office 365, Excel, cloud services, generative AI, and more.
This latest investment builds on DIGITAL's original $600,000 investment in SkillingUp, which was funded in part by Employment and Social Development Canada's Skills for Success Program, bringing the total support from DIGITAL to $1.1 million over the past two years.
Quote from Microsoft:
“Microsoft is committed to empowering organizations across Canada to build resilient workforces and inclusive economies of the future. Investing in tools, infrastructure and training program like SkillingUp is what’s needed to make AI accessible to everyone.” said Lisa Everett, AI National Skills Director-Microsoft Canada.
Quote from DIGITAL:
“Ensuring more Canadians are able to access meaningful, in-demand employment within Canada's technology sector is crucial to our country's continued growth and prosperity," said Sydney Goodfellow, Director of DIGITAL's talent-focused program, the Digital Learning Lab. "We're proud to continue to support the SkillingUp initiative and the ongoing work of March of Dimes Canada, Microsoft and the CIBC Foundation in helping to create a more inclusive and innovative Canada."
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About March of Dimes Canada
March of Dimes Canada is a leading national charity that serves the needs of people with disabilities and their families from coast to coast to coast. Our aim is to become the nation’s largest and most influential disability service provider and advocacy organization to better meet the needs of people with disabilities. We believe in a barrier-free society for everyone where all people have the resources they need to lead independent lives with dignity.
