Promoting Employment for Youth with an Intellectual Disability in BC
The British Columbia Employment Network (BCEN) is a consortium of local and regional service providers delivering services to people with intellectual disabilities. Since the inception of the BCEN in 2007, the primary goal has been to increase employment outcomes for youth and adults with intellectual disabilities.
Historically, the BC government has not invested in youth employment for people with intellectual disabilities. In 2020, the BCEN in partnership with the Canadian Institute for Inclusion and Citizenship at the University of British Columbia embarked upon a 6-year research project (two, three year- phases) to engage youth with intellectual disabilities to explore the world of work. The project aims to demonstrate the value of early employment engagement for youth with the goal of demonstrating the importance of sustainable, long-term funding for youth employment. Over the course of the 6-year project, 10 separate agencies and over 600 youth with an intellectual disability will participate in the project.
Research findings for the first phase of the project (2020-2022) were published in January 2023 by the University of British Columbia in partnership with the BCEN. The second phase is well underway. In this workshop presenters will share research findings from the first four years of the project. Participants in the workshop will learn about evidence-based employment interventions that have been successful in supporting youth to obtain and maintain employment.
Collaboration: The BC Experience
In the last 17 years, two important, productive and influential networks that have developed in BC. The British Columbia Employment Network (BCEN) is a consortium of local and regional service providers delivering services to people with intellectual disabilities. Since the inception of the BCEN in 2007, the primary goal has been to increase employment outcomes for youth and adults with intellectual disabilities.
The BC CEO Network (BCCEO) is a federation of agency leaders from across the province. The Network’s main purpose is to facilitate a collective voice, promote effective business practices and support leadership development and promote mutual support in the Community Living sector.
The BC Employment Network and the BC CEO Network have helped to shape services for people with an intellectual disability across the province, influence government decisions, and maximize limited resources.
The presenters will share the history, benefits and tangible outcomes of these unique networks.
Presenter’s Bios
Janice Barr
Since the early 1980s, Janice Barr has been instrumental in the evolution of community living in B.C. Janice is presently the Chief Executive Officer for the Community Living Society (CLS), a position she has held since CLS provides service to over 450 adults with an intellectual disability or acquired brain injury through a broad range of services. People served by CLS and their families are supported by 600 employees and 75 Homes Share contracted providers.
Janice has over thirty 30 of experience and leadership in the Community Living field. She is a passionate advocate for person-centered and responsive supports for people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Janice began her long career and involvement in the Community Living sector by providing direct support to people with an intellectual disability and their families. This experience continues to form the basis of her decisions.
Prior to joining CLS, Janice has held two previous positions as a CEO or Executive Director of a Community Living organizations as well as many sector-wide leadership positions, including Board Chair of the BCCEO Network, founding member of the BC Employment Network (BCEN), Advisory Board member of the Canadian Institute for Inclusion and Citizenship at University of British Columbia (CIIC) and past Chair of the Community Social Service Employers Association (CSSEA).