Services for Students with Disabilities |
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RBC Career Transition Program for Students with Disabilities
Through a generous donation from the RBC Foundation, the Laurier Career Development Centre launched this program to meet the career development needs of Laurier students and alumni with disabilities. The Career Centre offers innovative programming which encompasses career-related research, programming, technology, staff development and physical access to better serve our students and alumni.
95% of the career development and job search process is the same for students with disabilities as those without disabilities (Friehe and Leuenberger, 1996). Although there are many similarities, there are specific aspects that are unique.
Our integrated career development program includes all aspects of career development, as well as specialized resources to suit the needs of students with disabilities.
Program Development
The development of this program is based on a review of research regarding the transition of students with disabilities from post-secondary education to the workplace. We have also held focus groups and spoken with students regarding their program needs.
The Career Transition Advisory Committee for the RBC Career Transition Program for Students with Disabilities has been created to provide input and direction to the program. The goal is to provide a student-driven advisory committee that represents the needs and interests of Laurier students and alumni. The committee also includes professional members who will provide insights and advice on the program based on their areas of expertise.
We appreciate the leadership and support from the RBC Foundation to make this initiative possible.
Services for Students with Disabilities
The Career Centre offers a variety of career and employment workshops throughout the year.
- Career Planning 101, Career Planning 102, Resumé Writing, Cover Letter Writing, Searching for Jobs and Interview Success - view the workshop and event schedule here
- Students can earn the Career Development Certificate by attending Career Planning 101, Career Planning 102, Resumé Writing, Searching for Jobs and Interview Success. The Career Development Certificate is part of your Laurier Co-curricular Record.
- Specialized workshops such as: Navigating the First Year of Your Career – an interactive workshop that will help you learn what you should know before you start a job. What contributes to success on the job? Gain an understanding of employment laws and legislation and how to deal professionally with difficult issues that arise at work. Learn to identify and manage disclosure and accommodation needs in the workplace.
Individual appointments are available for career consulting (career planning and decision-making), employment consulting (includes resumés, cover letters, interview skills, job search and networking skills) and educational planning (preparing applications for further education).
Career Consultant: Disability Programs: Fleurette Puthran. To book an appointment, please contact the Career Centre at 519.884.0710 ext. 4495.
Alumni Sharing Knowledge
The Alumni Sharing Knowledge program is designed to assist students and alumni to meet and gather information about occupations and organizations from Laurier alumni who are working in the field. Click here for more information and to access the database.
Students with disabilities have told us that it is helpful to speak with people in the work world with similar disabilities regarding their experiences and advice. If you would like to speak with a mentor with a disability, please email careercentre@wlu.ca or speak with a Career Consultant.
We have created an Informational Interviewing brochure to assist with preparing for these opportunities. Click here to access.
Career Resource Centre
The Career Resource Centre has many resources that can assist you in the planning and preparation for your career and employment. Here are some sample topics of resources:
- Resources for Individuals with Disabilities
- Employment Equity and Human Rights Legislation
- Discussing Workplace Accommodations with Employers
- Career Development and Job Searching Resources: here are some selected examples of career resources and job searching resources for individuals with disabilities:
- Bolles, Richard Nelson and Brown, Dale Susan. Job-Hunting for the So-Called Handicapped or People Who Have Disabilities (2001)
- Fellman, Wilma. Finding a Career That Works for You (2006)
- Ryan, Dr. Daniel. Job Search Handbook for People with Disabilities (2004
- Government of Canada. Just Ask Me! Discussing Workplace Accommodations (video)
- Government of Canada, Alberta Human Resources and Employment. Tips for Job Seekers: Employment Series for Persons with Disabilities - The Career Centre has developed Career Information Handouts by major. Click here to view – you may find these helpful in your career planning.
Job Postings
Over 2800 employers post job opportunities through the Career Centre each year. You can search online for full-time, on-campus, part-time, contract and summer jobs. Click here to access job postings.
Career Fair is held every September which is a great opportunity to meet with employer representatives to learn more about organizations and your career field of interest. Job Fair is held every February and is an excellent event at which to meet prospective employers and find out about upcoming/existing employment openings. See www.partners4employment.ca for more information.