Gaining your first work experience can be challenging—especially when many opportunities already expect you to have experience on your resume. EmpowerAbility's Experience Matching was created specifically for first- and second-year students with disabilities who have little to no previous work or volunteer experience and want an opportunity to start building their skills and experience.
Through Experience Matching, students can apply for dedicated volunteer opportunities with community non-profit organizations. These roles are intentionally designed to provide meaningful responsibilities, help you develop transferable and workplace skills and give you experience you can confidently add to your resume. Placements take place from January to March 2027, with students committing a minimum of 15 hours per month.
Quick Links
- Mentorship Program
- Book an appointment
- Resources (Soon)
How to participate
To participate in the Winter 2027 program:
- Attend the Experience Matching Information Session on October 8, 2026 to learn more about the program, what to expect, and how the application and matching process works.
- Submit your Experience Matching Program Application by October 16, 2026.
- EmpowerAbility will notify you if you are eligible by October 22, 2026.
- Students who are confirmed as eligible will be able to apply to the Experience Matching opportunities posted on this page beginning November 4, 2026.
- Applications for individual Experience Matching opportunities close November 18, 2026.
- Employer Partners will review applications and meet with selected candidates between November 19 and December 8, 2026. These brief conversations give you an opportunity to learn more about the organization and role while also gaining experience participating in a real-world interview and selection process.
- Students will be notified of their Experience Matching placement by December 14, 2026.
- Volunteer placements take place from January through March 2027.
Applying without previous experience
You do not need previous work or volunteer experience to participate. That's exactly why Experience Matching was created.
When applying to an opportunity, you will have different ways to tell an Employer Partner about yourself and why you're interested in their role. Depending on the application process, you may be able to submit a resume, provide a written statement of interest, or record a short video statement. More information about application options will be provided to eligible students before Experience Matching opportunities open.
Community Partner Organizations
Only students who have applied to Experience Matching and have been confirmed as eligible by EmpowerAbility can apply to the opportunities listed below.
Winter 2027 Experience Matching opportunities will be available beginning November 4, 2026.
DANI
Program Facilitator
DANI, which stands for Developing and Nurturing Independence, is a registered charity in the Greater Toronto Area that provides services to neurodivergent adults. DANI supports individuals through day programs, supported employment, skills training, and social enterprises.
Habitat
ReStore Volunteer Role
Habitat for Humanity GTA is greater Toronto’s most recognized provider and advocate of solutions that tackle our region’s housing crisis. Our mission is to create a world where everyone has a safe, quality place to live.
Harrison's Hope
Teen Engagement and Event Planning Assistant
Harrison’s Hope is a registered Canadian charity that provides lifelong support for individuals and families living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). FASD is a lifelong, brain-based disability that affects up to 8% of Canadians.
L’Arche Toronto
Digital Archives Assistant
For over 50 years, L’Arche Toronto has brought to life the mission of L’Arche in the east end of Toronto. At L’Arche, people with intellectual disabilities (core members) share daily life with those who support them (assistants), alongside a wide circle of family, friends, and neighbours.
Wagner Green Centre for Access & Inclusion
Event Support Volunteer
The Wagner Green Centre for Access & Inclusion is housed within the Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre (MNjcc) in downtown Toronto. The MNjcc is a vibrant community where people connect, learn, and grow, fostering inclusivity, creativity, and dialogue through dynamic programs and welcoming spaces.
World Animal Protection
Development Coordinator Volunteer
World Animal Protection is an international animal welfare organization with 75 years of experience working to improve the lives of animals around the world. In Canada, we work to create a more humane and sustainable world for animals. Our work focuses on improving the welfare of farmed animals and protecting wild animals.
Bangladesh-Canada Community Services
Settlement Service Assistant
Bangladesh-Canadian Community Services (BCS) is a non-profit organization that has been serving the Bangladeshi and broader diverse communities across Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) since 2000.
Bangladesh-Canada Community Services
Youth Wellness Worker
Bangladesh-Canadian Community Services (BCS) is a non-profit organization that has been serving the Bangladeshi and broader diverse communities across Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) since 2000.
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