Regina Job Search Strategies Forum Report

Welcome and Overview

Video

Jennifer Dillon, Job Search Strategies Consultant, NEADS
Jesse LeClaire, Saskatchewan Director, NEADS

Jennifer Dillon welcomed participants to the 18th Job Search Strategies Forum, a project that began in August 2005 in order to offer strategies and practical techniques to help disabled students find success in the job market. The original plan was to host eight events over two years, but the program continued, and has now been extended to March 2011. The next forum will be held in Quebec City in early April, 2010.

Jesse LeClaire said it had been some time since the National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS) had hosted an event in Regina.

“We are, in fact, an organization for students, run by students, and with a mission of advocacy for equal access to education and employment,” said LeClaire. “NEADS does research, manages projects such as this forum, and offers a student scholarship program, as well as providing a comprehensive website full of resources—which I must add has been recently re-done and is truly fantastic.”

He invited participants to visit www.neads.ca, which offers financial aid resources, and a job site where students can post their resumés and search job postings.

LeClaire said next year’s national conference in Winnipeg would be an excellent networking opportunity for participants. He urged everyone to attend and take advantage of the opportunities and information that would be available.

Dillon explained that NEADS began its work in 1986 and over time has been responding to an increasing demand for employment initiatives for post-secondary students and graduates with disabilities. In order to help students make the transition from school to work, the Job Search Strategies project was created with the support of BMO Capital Markets. BMO Capital Markets’ Equity Through Education program assists people living with disabilities in finding work placements.