Quick Summary
Ontario Works (OW) and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) caseworkers can refer eligible clients to the Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) program, which is offered through the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development (MLITSD). The program helps adults in Ontario develop and apply communication, numeracy, interpersonal and digital skills to achieve their goals of employment, training – including apprenticeship – and further education. LBS is delivered by over 200 service providers at over 300 sites across the province, the locations of which can be found by using Find Employment and Training Services in Ontario (FEATS) tool.
FYI for
- Ontario Works Administrators – Please distribute to Ontario Works Staff
- Municipalities and DSSABs
- First Nations
- Social Assistance Programs Division Directors
- Social Assistance Program Managers
- Program Supervisors
- ODSP Managers
- ODSP Staff
- First Nation Ontario Disability Support Program Sites
- Clinic Resource Offices
What’s Happening:
The LBS program focuses on unemployed adults residing in Ontario, with special emphasis on people receiving income support. The program is also open to employed Ontarians who need to improve their literacy and basic skills to maintain or upgrade their work skills.
The LBS program would be an eligible participation activity for a client’s social assistance action plan and would help clients progress on their pathway to employment. Social assistance clients would work with an LBS service provider to create a customised learning plan and develop the skills they need.
LBS supports people who have reading, writing and/or math skills below the grade 12 level. The program is delivered both in-person and online, and services are offered in English, French, or American Sign Language (ASL). LBS uses culturally relevant learning approaches and resources for Indigenous, Francophone, and Deaf learners.
To be eligible, clients must be a resident of Ontario and be at least 18 years old. Clients also must be able to speak and listen well enough to benefit from lessons in the language of instruction (English, French, or ASL). LBS service providers may ask for additional requirements.
Caseworkers should discuss the LBS program with their clients if they believe their client could benefit. For information about where interested clients can find LBS service providers, please use the Find Employment and Training Services in Ontario (FEATS) tool.
More Information
For more information, please see the following website: Adult learning: Literacy and basic skills | ontario.ca