9. Q&A with Carolyn McDougall: On Becoming Employment Project Lead at a Hospital, and Employment Resources for Youth with Diverse Abilities

The Career Planning Show

Carolyn McDougall is an Occupational Therapist at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and Lead for the hospital’s Transition Strategy – Employment Participation Pathways. Carolyn is passionate about the value of work and the importance of gaining work experiences from an early age. She coordinates employment programming for 80+ youth with disabilities annually. She is the Business Liaison for Holland Bloorview’s co-site host role for ProjectSEARCH Toronto. She has worked previously in health sector human resources, research and communications roles. Carolyn's research and community partnership interests relate to: participation in employment, transitions to adulthood, life skills, family involvement and systems coordination.
Resources mentioned:
- youth: consider speaking with a guidance councillor at your highs school or with a career councillor at your college or university career centre, and check out Youth Jobs Canada;
- individuals with diverse abilities: Autism Speaks, Discover Ability Network, Family Support Network for Employment, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital - Youth Employment Programs, MentorAbility Canada, and ProjectSEARCH Toronto;
- all ages and backgrounds: connect with a local employment services provider in your area.
Help the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital deliver life-changing programs for kids with diverse abilities and medical complexities: https://fundraise.capesforkids.ca/capes2021/ruthdanjoe
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