Our long time supporter RBC Foundation is lending a hand in moving the Independent Living Movement forward for people with disabilities again, esepcially youth with employment barriers. They have contributed to the RCD in supporting the provision of coveted services which play an important role in bridging the gap in services. Our Employment and Skill Development Project is the fundamental of our vision of offering an empowering process for people with disabilities to reach-out, be resilient and face different challenges through learning, skill building, knowledge and experience sharing and peer support.

The key is for persons with disabilities to access any combination of activities, at their own choice, follow their own pace, to achieve their own goals.

The RCD focuses on 5 major areas of skills development – technology, literacy, financial knowledge, employment, and fitness & health. We strive to enhance the independence of people with disabilities through training and education, increasing awareness, being a source of information, and enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities.

10 streams of skill building activities:

• Resource & Information – access to IL information and community resources, navigate government systems and community networking
• Life Skills – offer ability appropriate life skills training for household, workplace and social settings
• Job-related Skills – deliver pre-employment training and job search skills, as well as assistance to employers hiring persons with disabilities
• Internship – provide career training and job opportunities to youth with disabilities in the technology field
• Peer Support & Mentoring – facilitate and implement peer sharing and mentoring for developing self-determination
• Computer – offer computer training, learn and access to assistive technology and Internet
• ESL – enhance literacy through specially designed curriculum
• Recreation – promote active living and healthy lifestyles through provision of sports and recreational activities
• Public Education – deliver training on awareness, sensitivity, and other specialized interests/skills training workshops
• Self-Advocacy – develop capacity, asset and skills building for persons with disabilities to take control of their lives