Link Up Employment Services for Persons with Disabilities opened its doors in downtown Vancouver mid-July 2005. The mandate of Link Up Vancouver is to provide on-going support to individuals who face employment barriers due to "self-declared" disabilities. The federal definition of "self-declared" disabilities is "Any person having any persistent (long-lasting) physical, mental, psychiatric, sensory or learning impairment who considers themselves to be disadvantaged in employment by reason of an impairment."

Since it's Vancouver launch, Link Up Vancouver has developed a client base which represents 40% of it's yearly target, 12% of whom have become employed either full or part time and has advanced it's referring agency list and eager employers to include Simon Fraser University, Soups Etc., Employment in Arts and Culture, Food and Produce distributors, the Patricia Hotel, Curves, Manpower International, Sierra Systems to name a few. Link Up Vancouver has been highlighted on Rafe Maer's Morning broadcast on AM600, and has been contacted by the Vancouver Sun Newspaper chain. Additionally, Link Up Vancouver has formed affiliations with Langara College for practicum placements, referrals from GF Strong (rehabilitation), and the provincial Ministry of Human Resources to assist long-term Income Assistance recipients who are challenged with disabilities (seen or unseen), gain valuable work experience. Link Up Vancouver has made application to the United Way of British Columbia to build on our personnel resources. 

In the three months since Link Up's Vancouver launch there have been many small and large successes. By connecting with a British Columbia organization which supports individuals with chronic mental health challenges, Link Up Vancouver has been able to connect some of these individuals to opportunities which expand their horizons. One such person is a gifted health clinician well experienced in alternative health care. This individual has been assisted in making connections with a new alternate health business. He has a desire to work on his own entrepreneurial skills and develop his own massage business within the framework of his capabilities. The connection Link Up has brokered is an opportunity for him to be supported as his business develops.

A local business which operates 8 Vancouver high end soup franchises has developed a close relationship with Link Up Vancouver staff. This business also operates a production facility and is constantly looking for staff. To date, Link Up Vancouver has placed one client on a part-time basis and has suggested at least 4 other individuals to the business owner.  As the partnership and relationship building continues, Link Up Vancouver will be able to place many more clients in both food retail and production environments.

Link Up Vancouver is also developing long term relationship building with Simon Fraser University. Simon Fraser University is expanding it's downtown campus rapidly and it is expected that they will be the major tenant in a revitalized Woodward's building which will be the focal point for an invigorated downtown Vancouver business community. As such, Simon Fraser's Woodwords campus, with it's focus on media and the arts will become one of Vancouver's largest employers. This relationship-building will prove to open numerous opportunities for Link Up Vancouver's clients.

Link Up Vancouver will host a workshop on the ramifications of "Self-Disclosure"  To Declare or Not To Declare – that is the question. What is the Answer? (of disabilities) in December 2005. While professionals (advocates from The Kettle – mental health, and the BC Human Rights Coalition) are welcomed guests, the wisdom of our clients and their experiences around self-declaration are the focal point of this workshop. To date, representatives of 15 agencies such as the BC Epilepsy Association, The Centre for Ability, Neil Squire Foundation, GF Strong, The Vancouver Agreement – three levels of government, YWCA Employment Centre to name a few, have signed up for the workshop, along with the clients they serve. Several employers have also been invited to attend.

Ruth Meta

Employment Consultant

LinkUp Employment Services/Vancouver