Disability Related Employment Supports

Overview

Disability Related Employment Supports (DRES) funding is available to pay for supports that help Albertans overcome barriers to education or employment caused by a disability.

Types of supports

DRES is offered in 3 categories.

Job search supports

Job search supports help Albertans with disabilities aged 16 and older seek employment.

Supports may include a sign language interpreter so that an individual with a hearing impairment can attend a job interview.

Workplace supports

Workplace supports help Albertans with disabilities aged 16 and older make successful transitions into the workplace, maintain employment, and enable their full participation in the workforce.

Supports may include a job coach, worksite modification or assistive technology.

Educational supports

Education supports help learners with disabilities who are out of the kindergarten to grade 12 school system. These supports prepare learners with disabilities for employment through post-secondary education, basic skill training, academic upgrading or labour market programs.

Supports may include sign language interpreters, tutors, note takers, and assistive technology such as software programs specific to the disability.

Eligibility

To be eligible for DRES supports and/or services an individual must:

• have a diagnosed and documented permanent or chronic disability that creates a barrier to education, training and/or employment
• be an Alberta resident
• be a Canadian Citizen, permanent resident, or refugee under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
• be legally entitled to work and/or train in Canada
• intend to work
• be eligible for DRES through an Employability Assessment and have a Service Plan

How to apply

To start the application process, visit or contact your nearest Alberta Supports or Alberta Works Centre.

Contact

Connect with the Alberta Supports Contact Centre for more information about this program:

Phone: 780-644-9992
Toll free: 1-877-644-9992 (in Alberta)