By AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT)

Since the beginning of the AIDS epidemic, in the face of illness or in order to preserve emotional and physical health, many people living with HIV/AIDS (PHAs) have retired from the work force. Until recently, most expected that such retirement would be permanent.

Advances made in monitoring HIV viral loads and treating infections, in the last few years, have significantly altered the situation of many PHAs, enabling many to begin considering (re) entering the work force. In response to these changes, ACT and Toronto Persons With Aids Foundation (TPWAF) undertook a comprehensive study called “Back to the Future” which explored the options, possibilities, and barriers for PHAs entering the work force, particularly the issue of medical benefits. The Canadian AIDS Society published its own study titled “Force for Change” on labour force participation for people living with HIV/AIDS. Additionally, the British Columbia Person With AIDS Society formulated a set of PHA altered principles to guide artistry in this area.

ACT is committed to addressing and providing services to meet the changing needs of our service users. ACT’S “Back to the Future” study reconfirmed our continuing partnership with TPWAF and led us to seek funding to develop a free innovative, client-focused employment service open to all individuals living with HIV/AIDS.

Since September 1999, the Employment Action program has enabled all PHAs to safely and confidentially explore the possibilities and options for (re) entering the work force while minimizing the risks. Employment Action is committed to the empowerment of service users to choose and direct their individual career path and be supported by a skilled and qualified employment team.

The program will respond to each individual’s employment goals and help discover what is required for that service user’s success.

The Employment Action program provides:

• Benefits Consulting
• Employment Planning
• Career Exploration
• Career Assessments
• Resumes & Cover Letters
• Interviewing Skills

• Job Trials
• Employment Skills Development
• Self Employment Development
• Job Placement
• Employment Support Resources