An Opportunities Fund success story about partnerships

Link Up, TD Canada Trust and the Opportunities Fund
A winning combination

Through the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada helps people with disabilities overcome employment barriers and participate in the workforce. The program works with partners like Link Up Employment Services for Persons with Disabilities so that people with disabilities can prepare for, and obtain employment and employment-related skills.

Five years ago, if you’d asked Matt Heng, an Employment Consultant with Link Up, why his organization wanted to work with TD Canada Trust Bank, he would have described a big bank with big staffing needs. Today, he adds something more: “A big bank, an even bigger vision.’’ The Bank hires qualified persons with disabilities not only because it’s the ‘right’ thing to do, but also because it’s the ‘bright’ thing to do. TD knows that continued success depends heavily on talented staff.

Through funding from the Opportunities Fund, Link Up provides employment services that accommodate the needs of both participants and employers.

Participants are asked if they require special accommodations for their interviews. The Link Up team helps employees with disabilities integrate into their new environment. The team includes a diversity coach who is an expert on job aids and accommodations. The result has been that several successful matches of clients with jobs well-suited to their qualifications and abilities. Thanks to the Opportunities Fund for greatly contributing to this success and making these partnerships prosperous!