Carleton University will host the launch of the David C. Onley Initiative for Employment and Enterprise Development – a partnership among Ottawa’s post-secondary institutions to develop knowledge, resources and tools supporting students with disabilities in advancing their careers. Envisioned by Carleton’s Paul Menton Centre for Students with Disabilities and the Research, Education, Accessibility and Design Initiative (READ), this two-year, $5-million initiative is funded by Ontario’s Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.

The project aims to increase employability and entrepreneurship of post-secondary students with disabilities. It will examine factors contributing to lower rates of employment and strive to boost them by engaging industry, building awareness, fostering entrepreneurial endeavors and developing employment supports in post-secondary institutions. It will assist students through applied research, providing access to employability and entrepreneurship resources, and working with employers to address their capacity to support the needs of employees with disabilities.