News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government is investing $450,000 into Ability New Brunswick for the implementation of Transition NB, a transition planning program for youths with a disability.

“Your government knows how important growing the economy and building inclusive communities are to New Brunswickers,” said Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Donald Arseneault, who made the announcement as part of Disability Awareness Week. “Transition NB will increase the number of persons with disabilities who can actively contribute to our economy and participate in our workforce.”

The program involves a one-on-one transition planning service for youths with a mobility disability, and the development of a social media hub and a planning guide to assist young people with disabilities with the transition to post-secondary education, training and jobs. The implementation and testing of the program will involve youths between the ages of 16 to 30 in the priority population who have a mobility disability in the Moncton, Saint John and Fredericton regions.

Community Foundations of Canada is contributing $140,000 towards the initiative.

"New Brunswick youths with a disability are underrepresented in post-secondary education and in the labour force,” said Ability New Brunswick executive director Haley Flaro. “This vibrant partnership between the province, Ability NB and the Community Foundations of Canada is turning that around by supporting youths with a disability to make a successful transition to post-secondary education, training and jobs."

This initiative, administered by the Employment and Continuous Learning Services Branch, is a component of the government’s Employment Action Plan for Persons with a Disability and the New Brunswick Economic Growth Plan.