Championing an inclusive city and creating opportunities for young people with disabilities

13 participants recognized for completing the City of Vaughan’s NextGen program

Congratulations NextGen grads! 

The City of Vaughan celebrated the 13 participants who successfully completed the first year of the NextGen skills development employment program (NextGen program) with a special ceremonial presentation at today’s Council meeting. All participants were given the opportunity to start internships in our summer camp programs!

As part of Vaughan’s commitment to inclusion, the City introduced the NextGen work-placement program this year for youth and young adults (ages 16 to 24 years old) who are living with disabilities. They are offered customized training tools and resources to prepare them for employment in the recreation sector. 

Vaughan’s Recreation Services department was awarded approximately $67,000 in funding from the Ontario government’s EnAbling Change Program, which is administered by the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility, to develop and implement this program at the City. 

NextGen program bridges the gap between high school and employment, while offering specialized tools and resources tailored to the individuals’ needs to help them succeed. The program provided participants with the opportunity to: 

• develop valuable employment skills while building the confidence to make meaningful contributions to the community.
• build job skills in a supportive and inclusive environment.
• enhance employment prospects in the recreation sector.
• gain practical skills through hands-on training.
• unlock the opportunity for an eight-week placement at a Vaughan community centre upon program completion.

Out of 30 applicants, 13 were selected to participate in the program this year, which included 34 in-person interactive workshops and guest speakers over 17 weeks. 

The NextGen program aligns with the City’s 2023-2027 Multi-year Accessibility Plan, which aims to create an accessible and barrier-free environment for all residents, visitors and businesses.

To learn more about the City’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and respectful culture, visit vaughan.ca/NextGen.

QUOTES

“In Vaughan, our goal is to build a community that is equitable, inclusive and welcoming for individuals of all abilities and backgrounds. I am proud to say the City of Vaughan’s NextGen skills development employment program is one way we’re paving the path forward toward a barrier-free community. This initiative equips young people with tangible employment skills and empowers them with the confidence needed to thrive in the workplace. I want to thank the Recreation Services team for their ongoing commitment to building an inclusive city and launching this specialized program. I also want to thank the Province of Ontario for providing the necessary funding through the EnAbling Change Program to make the NextGen program a reality here in Vaughan. Congratulations to the first participants on this exciting new journey, which I’m sure will lead to a very bright future!”

- Mayor Steven Del Duca

“As Chair of the City of Vaughan’s Accessibility Advisory Committee, I am committed to fostering a fully accessible community. This includes creating inclusive, barrier-free workplaces where residents of all abilities can thrive. The City’s new NextGen skills development employment program is a step in the right direction. The program prepares youth and young adults living with disabilities for employment in the recreation sector, offering specialized tools and resources to help them succeed. I extend my congratulations to the 13 participants who completed the work-placement program, and were provided an internship opportunity with the City this summer. I hope you find this experience memorable and rewarding!”

- City of Vaughan Accessibility Advisory Committee Chair and Ward 5 Councillor Gila Martow

"Our government is honoured to invest in initiatives like the NextGen program. This program exemplifies our joint commitment with the City of Vaughan to create equitable opportunities and ensure that students with disabilities can reach their full potential through training and supports that are tailored to their needs.”

- Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility

QUICK FACTS 

• The City’s Recreation Services department was awarded approximately $67,000 in funding from the Ontario Government’s EnAbling Change Program, which is administered by the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility, to develop and implement the NextGen program.
• On June 24, the City celebrated the end of its first year of the NextGen program with a special ceremonial presentation at the Council meeting.
• Thirteen participants completed the NextGen work-placement program and were provided an internship opportunity with the City’s summer camp programs in July.

LEARN MORE 

• The City of Vaughan’s accessibility webpage
• The City’s 2023-2027 Multi-year Accessibility Plan
• Ontario’s EnAbling Change Program webpage
• ‘NextGen – Be future ready’ video
• vaughan.ca/NextGen