Frequently Asked Questions About The Services
When can I start receiving services?
First you must determine if you are eligible for funding from the Calgary Region Community Board Persons with Developmental Disabilities (CRCB PDD). Next you would meet with a representative of Columbia College to discuss your goals and determine if they can be achieved through our services. Finally Columbia College will complete an individual Funding Application with you and forward this to the CRCB PDD for approval. Once approved for funding you can start receiving services as per indicated by your Funding Approval letter from CRCB PDD.
What type of job can your service help me secure?
Employment Services work with each individual to help them reach their specific employment goals. Our staff asks each student to provide a minimum of three ideas regarding the types of employment that are of interest to them. Once this is determined, our staff support each student on a one-on-one basis to secure and maintain opportunities that will help meet their aspirations.
How long will it take for me to get a job?
On average it will take one to two months to prepare a student for competitive employment. There are however a number of factors that may impact how quickly an individual is placed including: 1) how motivated the student is to work; 2) the barrier(s) facing the student in finding and keeping a job; 3) the state of the economy; 4) the degree of flexibility that the student has in terms of their employment choices; 5) how common or uncommon the specific position is.
How will I be supported at my place of employment?
Once a student is competitively employed, our staff will provide intensive supports during the initial phase of the placement. As our student and their employer become more confident in the placement, our staff will gradually fade their level of supports. When appropriate, our staff will completely withdraw their supports. At this point the employer and the student’s coworkers will provide whatever supports are required, just as they would for anyone else employed in that environment.
Can you help me secure a volunteer placement?
Community Access students who are not able to work or not interested in paid employment can participate in volunteer opportunities of their choosing through the non-profit and not for profit sector. Volunteer placements enable students to be included in the community as valued, participating and contributing members.
Can I go into both services?
Each individual can apply for both services as schedules for the Community Access service are flexible and can be tailored to meet individual needs, i.e. evening and weekend activities.