Building Inclusive Futures for Young Adults with Developmental Disabilities 

For many young adults with developmental disabilities, the transition to adulthood can be an uncertain time. Opportunities for work, connection, and independence are often limited because of structural barriers in education and employment systems. 

The Calgary Quest Children’s Society is working to change that narrative. 

Through its Centre for Opportunity (CFO) program, Calgary Quest provides specialized, person-centred programming for young adults aged 18 to 28 with moderate to severe developmental disabilities. With support from the Rideau Hall Foundation’s Catapult Canada grants, the organization is expanding this program to strengthen inclusive employment pathways and help participants build skills for independent living. 

Building Confidence, Skills, and Community Connections 

The new Capacity-Building for Inclusive Employment and Greater Independence Project strengthens both sides of the employment equation. For participants, it focuses on developing pre-employment skills, workplace experience, and confidence. For local employers, it offers training and resources to help build inclusive workplaces that can successfully welcome and support employees with developmental disabilities. 

“This grant assists in setting our participants up for success as they prepare to enter the workforce. It enables us to create a strong framework that not only supports and guides our participants by ensuring best practices but also provides an opportunity to educate businesses and communities on fostering inclusive workplaces, particularly for individuals with moderate to severe disabilities. While our participants are neurodiverse, they bring unique strengths and talents that make them valuable, contributing members of society” says Quest team. 

Addressing Systemic Barriers to Employment 

Despite decades of research and advocacy, the employment rate for Canadians with moderate to severe cognitive disabilities remains as low as 20%, far below the national average according to Statistics Canada. Barriers such as inaccessible training, discrimination, and lack of employer readiness contribute to this gap. 

Calgary Quest’s project directly tackles these systemic issues by pairing skill-building for young adults with capacity-building for businesses.  

Strengthening the Sector with support from the RHF  

Support from the Rideau Hall Foundation’s Catapult Canada initiative is helping Calgary Quest deepen its impact and sustainability. Catapult funding allows the organization to build out its employment readiness curriculum, strengthen evaluation, and expand partnerships with local employers. 

Beyond funding, Catapult connects Calgary Quest to a national network of youth-serving organizations committed to learning, collaboration, and sector sustainability. Together, these organizations are working to build systems that empower young people of all abilities to learn, work, and thrive. 

By investing in projects like Calgary Quest’s Centre for Opportunity, the Rideau Hall Foundation is helping shape a more inclusive Canada, one where every young person has the chance to contribute, belong, and build a meaningful future.