Sam Sullivan

There are few jobs a person with a disability can’t do, yet employers in other places may still be reluctant to hire people with disabilities… but not in Vancouver.

Last week, the doors for new opportunities opened wider for people with disabilities with the launching of the first multicultural Employment Program for Persons with Disabilities (EPPD) in Canada.  

“It is important that all persons with disabilities from every cultural background be able to fully participate and enjoy the benefits of British Columbia’s employment programs,” said Claude Richmond, Minister of Employment and Income Assistance. 

“That’s why the BC Government is pleased to strongly support S.U.C.C.E.S.S. and THEO BC in the launch of this unique and very necessary program,” adds Richmond.

 Vancouver is an exceptionally culturally diverse city, a fact re-enforced by recent figures released by Statistics Canada.  Given this reality there is a growing need for services that are responsive to the special requirements of persons with disabilities from multicultural background.“Making Vancouver the world’s most inclusive cities is one of the goals we have established for our government,” said Mayor of Vancouver Sam Sullivan.  “Our rich diversity and commitment to delivering compassionate solutions to social challenges are two of the reasons Vancouver is consistently ranked as one of the best cities in the world.”

Sullivan also said that, “this new partnership being led by S.U.C.C.E.S.S. and the provincial government is a tribute to those values and improve our city’s quality of life even more.”

Funded by the Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance, the Employment Program for Persons with disabilities is designed to provide in-depth services for individuals facing employability challenges. 

THEO BC’s expertise in providing services to persons with disabilities combined with S.U.C.C.E.S.S.’ strength in serving the multi-cultural community will greatly enhance access to EPPD programming, adding value to an already highly effective program.

Initially focusing on the Chinese community in Metro Vancouver, the unique service will systematically expand to other ethnic communities such as Korean, Farsi, and Punjabi. It will generate greater public awareness of the need for inclusion and employment for persons with disabilities from different ethnic backgrounds.

“We are very excited about this innovative partnership with the Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance and THEO BC as we are acting as the bridge to connect those people in need,” said Tung Chan, CEO of S.U.C.C.E.S.S.  For more details, please visit: www.successbc.ca.