Karen Lander
Northern News Services

NNSL (Mar 19/99) - The Yellowknife Association for Community Living is getting into the job business in a big way.

The mission of the association is to ensure that those with intellectual disabilities lead meaningful lives in supportive communities.

One of the programs that is showing a great deal of success is the employment program where currently 19 people are able to join the workforce and get a taste of earning their keep.

The program basically provides pre-employment counselling, employment support and if needed, a job coach.

Lanny Cooke, executive director of the Yellowknife Association for Community Living, says Yellowknife businesses have been tremendously supportive of the program.

"There are many good businesses and government agencies that employ people with intellectual disabilities, such as down syndrome, FAS/FAE, or any other kind of intellectual disability," Cooke says.

Another program that is putting people to work is the ceramics production program offered at the Abe Miller Centre. There are presently 11 people participating in the program.

"In that program, the people mix clay, pour the clay into the mould fire and glaze the maltiest," Cooke says, adding what's great about the program is that "The money made from it goes right back into the program."

For those who have more noticeable disabilities, they take the community bridging program which offers special assistance to help people interact with the public. The program offers everything from taking part in community activities and fitness programs to everyday activities like going for coffee.

Another program the association is finding success with is the independent living support program where six people are currently receiving assistance.

"They live in their own apartment," said Cooke, "and they pay rent like you and me."

Cooke says the majority of people in the program need about four to five hours of support during the day, but some only need five hours a week.

The association also offers a literacy program in partnership with Aurora College.

Currently, there are 20 individuals involved in the literacy program. It's a basic training for people with or without disabilities and is held in the classroom of Aurora College.