When we share what we’ve learned, we all learn more.
Our work at FSNE is fuelled by a peer-to-peer knowledge transfer model. There is value in each of our lived experiences and we want families to be able to share those experiences with other families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Throughout the years, families have had a lot of the same questions and concerns regarding creating a path to employment for their family member. Below, we have compiled answers to the questions our members have heard the most.
Can you help my family member get a job?
FSNE is not an employment agency or an employer. Our goal, as families, is to help other families acquire the tools needed to access the right support from those who can help their family member find employment.
How can families help their family member to access the opportunities related to employment that are available in the school years?
Supporting your family member to engage with the community, get involved with co-op, and explore their interests are all important parts of preparing for employment. Rima, Carla, and Mackenzie share how to seek out such opportunities and their benefits.
6:48
What does leveraging opportunities in the education system look like for an individual who faces higher barriers to employment?
Creating connections and utilizing accommodations are just two steps needed to reach an employment outcome. Rima, Carla, and Mackenzie discuss the best practices to support your family member within the education system.
5:43
For some families, behaviour becomes a barrier to employment. What can families do to address these challenges?
Raising expectations both at home and in the school system can help your family member to achieve their goals. Jill, Carrie, and Mackenzie discuss the importance of being clear about your intentions with everyone your family member encounters.
4:47
What are some of the soft skills needed for job readiness? How can the school years be used to help develop them?
Communicating with others is an example of a soft skill that is important for employment. Jill, Carrie, and Mackenzie share how these skills are developed during the school years.
6:19
How can students in segregated environments continue to develop social capital outside of the school system?
Social capital is having connections with others, so any opportunity that encourages inclusion will help to build an individual’s social capital. Jill, Carrie, and Mackenzie share some examples of opportunities that may be available for your family.
3:17
Some individuals are not yet ready for the workforce, despite approaching graduation. How can their families continue to work towards the vision of employment without relying on segregated day programs?
As family members, it can sometimes be difficult to recognize the skills our family member may already have that can make them employable. Rima, Carla, and Mackenzie discuss some ways to support your family member on a path to employment – even when you’re not sure they’re ready.
7:02
Can a vision for employment after graduation include part-time work?
Absolutely! Rima, Carla, and Mackenzie share the importance of having a goal and the benefits of striving for what works best for your family member.
4:35
When there isn’t an opportunity for a job, some people turn to entrepreneurship. What do you think of that as an option?
Self-employment can be a great opportunity for those who are interested in being entrepreneurs, but it’s not a viable choice for everyone. Employment services professionals Bruce Uditsky, Keenan Wellar, Brad Horne, and facilitator Kimberley Gavan discuss the success of entrepreneurship as an employment outcome, based on their own client experiences.