High School Students with Intellectual Disabilities Integration Program (HSSIDIP)
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About the HSSIDIP
The High School Students with Intellectual Disabilities Integration Program (HSSIDIP) is an inclusive employee/employer training program that matches high school students with an intellectual disability with suitable temporary positions in the federal public service. During the placement, students are fully integrated into the teams that hire them, performing valuable work alongside their colleagues. The program is a partnership between the Government of Canada and the world of education and is open to all federal departments and agencies, from coast to coast to coast.
The program has two main goals:
- Provide training and work experience to students with intellectual disabilities, helping them to become successful and productive employees in the private or public sector
- Train work teams on how to welcome employees with an intellectual disability into their workplace and support their success, helping them to create an accessible, inclusive environment that allows everyone to work to their full potential
The HSSIDIP demonstrates that with the right knowledge, training and support, workplaces can fully integrate employees with intellectual disabilities, who can bring new perspectives and make valuable contributions as they build successful careers.
From 2023 to 2024, Statistics Canada recorded a decline in employment rates for youth in Canada, and in particular for youth with disabilities, demonstrating a need for more support. This program aims to help stop ableism through training and awareness, promoting inclusive workplace practices that will help open doors in the workforce – and support Canada's goal of being barrier-free by 2040. This approach successfully contributes to Canada’s implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
How the HSSIDIP works
The HSSIDIP uses an inclusive hiring process to help work teams who need support on routine or operational tasks, matching them with an appropriate student who meets the HSSIDIP Student Participation Criteria. Students participate in two 24-week placements in two different work teams over the span of two school years:
- First placement: Students work 3 to 6 hours per week during the first 12 weeks and up to 2 days a week during the last 12 weeks, learning about the culture and practices of the workplace and developing the tools they need to perform.
- Second placement: Students transfer to a new work team and work from 3 up to 5 days per week, practicing their skills and building connections to help them in their future career.
During both placements, the work team and student receive the support of the HSSIDIP Team and the school team. During the first 6 weeks, the student is accompanied by an educational assistant that is provided and paid for by the school. At the 6th week, the student has learned to perform their tasks autonomously, the work team manages the student like any other employee. The educator leaves the work place. The HSSIDIP Team and the School Team support the work team as needed until the end of the placement. The students are paid for their work at the student rates of pay. Throughout their placements, students are expected to perform at the same level as other employees on the work team, both in terms of quality and quantity, and must maintain this level of work to remain in the program. Students are evaluated by the work team and receive honest feedback on their performance. Following their participation in the program, students are better equipped to find employment in the private or public sector.
Results and impacts
Work teams
Along with benefiting from the student’s work, at the end of a placement, work teams will have learned how to manage a diverse workforce through adaptive measures and effective communication. This allows them to provide a welcoming environment for all employees that supports them in performing to their full potential. The HSSIDIP shows that employers can welcome and fully integrate employees with intellectual disabilities by implementing inclusive strategies.
Students
Statistics Canada data has found that people with disabilities are less likely to be employed than people without disabilities. Gaining work experience while in school can help students with disabilities build the skills they need to transition into the workforce.
The HSSIDIP demonstrates that with the right training and work environment, eligible students with intellectual disabilities can successfully integrate into the workforce and be effective and valuable employees. Many participants find regular employment after completing the program.
How to participate
Hire a student through the HSSIDIP
Propose a position and work with the HSSIDIP Team to be matched with an eligible student
Enroll students in the HSSIDIP
Schoolboards may participate by applying to the HSSIDIP Team to enroll eligible students and match them with a position
Contact Information
For more information, please contact:
High School Students with Intellectual Disabilities Integration Program
National Program Team
Email: hssidip-pieshi@justice.gc.ca
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