The Evolution of Career Development at the Neil Squire Society

By Alexi Thomas

Career development has evolved with technology at the Neil Squire Society. The Neil Squire Society is the only national not-for-profit organization in Canada that has for over 25 years empowered Canadians with physical disabilities through the use of computer-based technologies, research and development, and various employment programs.

With a variety of programs offered at the Neil Squire Society, there are two that have abled us to reach beyond our physical walls; the Employ-Ability Program and the Distance Computer Comfort Program.

The Employ-Ability Program prepares participants for future employment opportunities by teaching the necessary job search skills, such as preparing a job specific resume/cover letter, job search consultation, as well as coaching to improve their wellness. In 2005, the Employ-Ability Program expanded its online presence by developing a network of partner sites in each province that has an office, reaching into rural communities and Aboriginal bands. Every day, webinars are held that connect these classrooms, allowing participants to learn and work together despite being separated by hundreds of kilometres. In 2011 alone, the Neil Squire Society held 1,633 hours of webinars, reaching over 220 people across Canada.

 Anu Pala and Chad Leaman 

Through the use of webinars, the Neil Squire Society launched the Virtual Employ-Ability Program, which reaches people in their homes as opposed to classrooms. Anu Pala, a Career Facilitator/Coach at the Neil Squire Society, helps lead the program through the virtual world, coaching participants one-on-one and holding a weekly webinar for the entire class. She uses her career development experience, along with co-active coaching techniques, to help clients identify their strengths and values, address barriers and develop an action plan to achieve career success.

In 2009, Chad Leaman, e-Learning Manager, introduced a new online program, the Distance Computer Comfort Program. The Distance Computer Comfort Program is a one-to-one computer tutoring program that is largely delivered through volunteer resources. The program pairs participants with a volunteer, connecting their computer through the Internet, and allowing them to share their screens and communicate through headsets. For participants who may live a secluded life, the Distance Computer Comfort Program is the first step to overcoming obstacles and gaining confidence to participate more in society. Many students have utilized their skills in labour market-related activities, like receiving further education, becoming a volunteer, enrolling in an employment program, and gaining employment.

These two programs have exploded into the virtual world, enabling Canadians to participate in the programs any time, any place, with any disability.

The evolution of career development and e-Learning at the Neil Squire Society will be presented at Cannexus13, January 28 – 30, 2013 by Anu Pala and Chad Leaman.

Alexi Thomas started out as an Administrative Assistant at the Neil Squire Society. In only six short months, Alexi became the Manager of Communications. With a background in the music business, a professional vocalist and songwriter, Alexi decided to go back to school to pursue her Degree in Communications. Alexi is currently still in school, complementing her new career at the Neil Squire Society.