Accessible Navigation to Employment Program

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The Accessible Navigation to Employment Program (ANTE) is a national training program, developed by the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association and Mohawk College, that is dedicated to improving the foundational and transferable skills of Hard of Hearing and Deaf Canadians.

National statistics indicate that the unemployment rate for Deaf and Hard of Hearing adults is approximately 32% higher than the national unemployment average.

The ANTE program provides skills upgrading for Deaf and Hard of Hearing adults through online micro-credential certification at no cost to them. The micro-credential certification courses have been designed to be accessible to Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals. The program also provides employers with resources and training on accessible communication practices and tools to facilitate accessible hiring and work experiences in preparation for paid placements.

Our goal is to practically combat the barriers that the HOH and Deaf communities face when seeking employment, and provide a sense of hope to a group of individuals who are motivated to learn, connect, and contribute to their local communities.

Update: As of November 1, 2023, 2023-24 work placements for learners are full. 

For Students

Learn and improve your skills in an accessible way.

We are looking for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (D/HOH) community members in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Nova Scotia to join the ANTE program.

Free Skills Upgrading

  • All courses will be delivered online by Mohawk College in an accessible, asynchronous format.
  • There will be 9 free courses for you to complete. These courses will help to improve your foundational skills to help you succeed in the workforce.
  • Learners will choose what courses they want to complete based on their interest, with the option to complete all 9 courses and a paid work placement to receive a certificate of completion
  • Upon completion of a course, you will receive a micro-credential for that specific skill.

Paid Work Placements 

Update: As of November 1, 2023, 2023-24 work placements for learners are full.

  • Once students are deemed eligible, ANTE staff will work to connect you with a 200 hour paid placement.
  • Throughout the learning stage, participating employers will be presented to learners. The learner can ask questions and learn more about the employer.
  • Learners will then apply their learning to a work placement. Our Employment Consultant will arrange all work placement coordination with the employer.
  • The Employment Consultant will be available for the employer and participant throughout the duration of the placement for any support needed.
  • Learners will be paid through the employer; wage and payment structure will be determined at the time of placement.

Program Course Details

Each course takes an average of 30 hours to complete. You may work at your own pace to complete them.

Course Description
Reading In this course, learners will continue to develop strong reading skills to enhance communication skills. Learners will apply reading strategies to read critically and understand workplace communication
Digital Skills In this course, learner will develop understanding in basic computer skills, mobile devices, and video communication platforms. Learners will also learn how to find information on the internet and be accountable online.
Adaptability In this course, learners discuss the importance of adaptability for the future workplace and identify the skills that make someone adaptable and responsible for their own actions, decisions, and consequences. Learners will reflect on their values and skills for work and home life.
Communication In this course, learner will develop and refine skills to communicate well through writing, interaction, and presentation. Learners will reflect on their communication skills and learn new skills to communicate in the workplace and community.
Problem Solving In this course, learners will use critical thinking strategies to solve problems in the workplace and at home or in their community.
Writing In this course, learners will continue to develop essential writing skills needed for today’s workplace. Learners will practice writing clearly and accurately in many situations, such as filling out forms and writing workplace emails.
Numeracy In this course, learners will continue to develop strong numeracy skills that they can use in the workplace or in community settings. Topics may include measurement, calculation, and data analysis to help learners perform tasks like making a household budget, taking cash payments or estimating measurements.
Creativity In this course, learners will develop their creativity using imagination and expression. Learners will be encouraged to approach situations and ideas from new perspectives to experiment with creativity and create innovative ideas.
Collaboration In this course, learners will reflect on their ability to contribute and support others to reach a common goal. Learners will learn to show respect for ideas, values and different backgrounds and experiences.

Eligibility

Learners must:

  • Identify as Deaf/ Hard of Hearing
  • Be 18 years of age or older
  • Be a Canadian Citizen, Permanent resident, or Refugee
The learner will be sent eligibility questions to ensure the program is the best fit for them. If you’re interested in enrollment, please use the button below to fill out our application form.


If you have any questions, please email anteprogram@chha.ca.

For Employers

ANTE is providing a unique opportunity to upskill the D/HOH community across Canada through micro-credential training while simultaneously responding to current talent gaps and labour market concerns. In a collaborative effort to address these challenges, we aim to engage with employers like yourself to develop an inclusive 200-hour paid placement opportunity for members of the D/HOH community.

What are the benefits of participating in the ANTE program as an employer? 

  • Advance your organization’s commitment to inclusion 
  • Community involvement 
  • Help address future workforce and talent needs
  • Highlight your business and industry
  • Encourage workforce diversity and accessibility preparedness
  • Support employee development and engagement 
  • Meet a talented pool of D/HOH community members
  • Reduce recruitment costs
  • Access to accessibility training resources  

We would be thrilled to partner with you in supporting and creating accessible pathways to employment for the D/ HOH community.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss next steps, please contact us at
ANTEprogram@chha.ca.

Employers Training

The Accessible Navigation to Employment Program offers 3 free tiers of accessibility training for employers. Our employer training is designed to support employers to become familiar with accessible communication best practices, tools, and strategies for creating inclusive workplaces.The first tier is available to all employers, no matter if they’re a part of ANTE or not.

Click the button below to learn more about the training and enroll today! Limited spots available in each training session.

Meet the Team

RICHARD PLUMMER

Program Manager

EMILY ECKER

Lead Partner

CINDY GORDON

Outreach Coordinator (AB) – CHHA Edmonton

NADINE RAGHEB

Program Coordinator

ERYKA KAMINSKY

Training Specialist

RACHEL WARRICK

Outreach Coordinator (BC) – Vancouver Community College

ANNE MARIE LANGLOIS

Program Coordinator

BRUCE BELCHER

Curriculum Developer

MORGAN REID

Admin Coordinator

ANCA ANDRONIC

Project Support Officer – Mohawk College

SHIRLEY HODDER

Outreach Coordinator (NS) – Society of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Nova Scotians

WENDY CRAIG

Learning Support Specialist – Mohawk College

AISHA HASAN

Outreach Coordinator (ON) – Canadian Hard of Hearing Association

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