Halifax Job Search Strategies Forum Report

NEADS Web-based Employment Resources

Video

Natalie Fougère, New Brunswick Director, NEADS

Natalie Fougère described NEADS as “a consumer-based cross-disability organization.” NEADS is a member of the Council of Canadians with Disabilities that advocates full access to post-secondary education and employment opportunities for people with disabilities. It operates under a 12-person board: one member for each province, one for the territories, and one open member.

NEADS works with college and university students, recent graduates, professionals who provide support services on campus, and employers. The organization conducts research projects, runs a listserv and a student award program, and organizes a bi-annual conference.

The award program distributes up to $3,000 to 20 students each year, and “encourages full access to education for students with disabilities facing greater barriers.” The current application deadline for the award is December 17.

Over the last two decades, NEADS has held Student Leadership and Employment Forums, created an employer advisory council, a mentorship project, an online job database, the Job Search Strategies Forums, and publications such as Employment Connections and Access to Success.

NEADS Online Work System (NOWS) allows students and recent graduates with disabilities to post a resumé and cover letter to a targeted audience of employers. Applicants can search for and apply for jobs in the NOWS system. There are over 1,800 students and graduates registered. The system has 113 registered employers representing 25 different industries from every province and territory. The top sectors are government services, administrative services, travel, tourism, social services, healthcare, IT, and human resources. Companies currently registered include BMO Financial Group, Casino Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia Power, CTV, IBM Canada, Imperial Oil, and RBC.