/Fort Simpson (Mar 18/05) - Standing in the kitchen of the Nahanni Inn, Chris Cli smiles broadly as he rolls a handful of hamburger meat into a waffle-sized patty.

Chris Cli makes hamburgers at Fort Simpson's Nahanni Inn as part of a program designed to give adults with learning disabilities workplace experience. - Andrew Raven/NNSL photo

"This is actually a lot of fun," said Cli, looking down at a mound of meat. "I like the job and the people are friendly."

Cli is one of eight Fort Simpson residents enroled in a program designed to give adults with learning disabilities practical job experience. Run through the Stanley Isaiah Supportive Living Home and Aurora College, the program links students with businesses looking for extra help.

"Their eyes light up when they go to work," said project co-ordinator Marion Storm. "They are happy to be wanted."

The goal of the program is to give students work experience so they can eventually support themselves, Storm said.

Several businesses participate

The students have been placed at several businesses in Fort Simpson including the Nahanni Inn, Bannockland Bed and Breakfast and the Fort Simpson senior's residence.

They work about four hours per week and receive on the job training from business owners like Sue Sibbeston, manager and owner of Bannockland.

"Maybe this can help break down some of the barriers they face," said Sibbeston. "At the same time, hopefully it will help out the entire community."

The students also have a job coach through the Stanley Isaiah home, who helps them work through some of the remedial aspects of their jobs.

While the program was not designed to compensate students, most business owners have agreed to pay their hires. Cli makes eight dollars an hour - money that is going into his bank account.

Storm said some of the students are going to continue working after the program officially ends March 31.

"That is a joy to see," said Storm.

There are plans to conduct a study to see if the program can be expanded, Storm said. One potential avenue would be to set a non-profit society to co-ordinate the internship program, she said.

The initiative could also benefit Fort Simpson business owners who sometimes struggle to find employees, Sibbeston said.

"If it works, businesses will have an incentive to participate," she said.