New agency aims to help Yukoners with disabilities find jobs

People living with disabilities in Yukon have a new resource to help them find a job.

The Workforce Information Networking Hub opened Thursday in Whitehorse, thanks to funding from the federal government.

"The Hub" will provide services such as employment counseling, help with job searches, and resume and interview preparation. It will also provide access to computers, copiers and fax machines.

"It's so important that people understand that just because you have a different ability doesn't mean you can't do the job," said Doug Graham, Yukon's minister of education, at Thursday's official opening.

The Challenge Disability Resource Group will receive more than $1million over the next three years to operate the new agency.

"We have recognized over the years that individuals are completely different,and it means you've got to deal with each one of them in a different manner," said Rick Goodfellow, the group's executive director.

"Being able to open a facility like this is something we were all very excited about."

The Hub is one of five agencies in Yukon receiving federal money foremployment assistance services.