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NEADS to Deliver Job Journey Pathways Program for Disabled Students with CanAssist at University of Victoria

(Ottawa, Friday March 27, 2026)

The National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS) is pleased to announce a new collaboration with the University of Victoria’s CanAssist program. Through this partnership, NEADS will facilitate a cohort of CanAssist’s Job Journey Pathways program, a component of the broader Job Journey initiative for persons with disabilities.

Funded through the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities, administered by Employment and Social Development Canada, Job Journey supports individuals who experience disabilities and/or mental health barriers. The Pathways stream is specifically designed for individuals who self-identify as having a learning disability and focuses on early career development and transition planning. Through this stream, participants are supported in building confidence, exploring career options, and developing foundational employment skills.

Through this collaboration, NEADS will facilitate a cohort running from mid-April to mid-October 2026. The cohort will include 10 participants, with spots allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The program will be delivered remotely in English via Zoom and requires a commitment of a few hours per week over six months.

Participants will receive individualized support from a dedicated job coach, who will work with them — and where appropriate, their guardian and local businesses — to support career exploration, skills development, and workplace readiness. As part of the program, participants may also have opportunities for workplace exposure and potential work placement experiences.

Participants in the program will:

* Identify strengths, interests, and career goals
* Participate in guided career exploration activities
* Build job readiness and self-advocacy skills
* Receive support with resumés and cover letters
* Develop interview and communication skills
* Access certificate training opportunities
* Receive employment supports such as an interview clothing allowance
* Gain exposure to workplace expectations and onboarding processes
* Have opportunities for workplace exposure and potential work placements

To be eligible, applicants must:

* Self-identify as having a learning disability
* Be 15 years of age or older
* Commit to consistent participation over six months
* Be located in Canada and a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident
* Have access to a computer or tablet and the internet
* Provide two character references
* Provide consent from a parent or guardian if under the legal age of adulthood in the province or territory where you reside 
* Have access to a personal bank account

To apply, interested individuals must complete a pre-screening form at this link. Eligible applicants will be invited to an intake interview between Tuesday, April 7 and Sunday, April 12, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and interested individuals are encouraged to apply early as space is limited.

Participation is voluntary, and individuals may withdraw at any time. While the program provides strong support toward employment readiness and may include workplace experience opportunities, NEADS and CanAssist do not guarantee employment or work placements.

“This collaboration aligns strongly with NEADS’ mission to support full access to post-secondary education and employment for disabled students and recent graduates,” says Katja Newman, Director of the NEADS Financial Assistance Program and Co-Manager of the Building Employment Pathways Project. “Through facilitating this Job Journey Pathways cohort, we are able to continue offering job coaching in a new context, building on the experience we have gained over the past three years delivering the Building Employment Pathways Program.”

For inquiries related to participation in the NEADS Job Journey Pathways cohort, please contact: Katja Newman: katja.newman@neads.ca

For all other inquiries, please contact: 

Frank Smith (he/him)
National Coordinator
National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS)
Rm. 514  Nideyinàn, Carleton University
Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6
Tel. (613) 380-8065, ext. 201 

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