George Brown College has partnered with Mohawk College to help increase opportunities for deaf and hard of hearing Ontarians and make sure they’re properly supported in the workplace.
Through research and data analysis, the colleges, working with the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association (CHHA), will provide information the Ontario government can use to establish and promote career opportunities and pathways for deaf and hard of hearing individuals. This 12-month initiative comes as the province works to address labour shortages in several sectors.
"We are excited that this first-of-its-kind initiative brings together employers and deaf and hard of hearing persons with lived experience for open dialogue that addresses both accessible employment and labour shortages,” said Matt Foran, Manager, Academic Upgrading Programs at George Brown’s School of Work and College Preparation. “This solution-focused collaboration will create a solid framework that can be used as a model of success throughout Ontario."
The Ontario government is investing more than $750,000 through the Ontario Labour Market Partnerships program to support this initiative. George Brown, Mohawk and CHAA will engage with at least 10 Ontario employers who provide entry-level positions in different industries.
“We need all hands on deck to fill the generational labour shortage Ontario currently faces,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development. “I am proud to support a project that will connect deaf and hard of hearing people with pathways to meaningful careers and help local businesses find the skilled workers they need.”
Learn more about programs at George Brown’s School of Deaf and Deafblind Studies, including the Honours Bachelor of Interpretation (American Sign Language) — the first program of its kind in Canada.
