SELECTIONS was formed May 26, 1989. It evolved from the South Edmonton Bottle Depot which began as a vocational training program in March 1979 (sponsored by the Edmonton Separate School Board). The main focus of the program was to provide short term training in a real work environment for young adults who have a developmental disability. This program was originally developed for students from the Edmonton Separate School Board who were having difficulty functioning in the school work experience program and for those who had graduated from the special education classes and were unable to find jobs. The bottle depot provided an opportunity for individuals to learn job related skills and habits such as attendance, punctuality, cooperation, and production rate. In addition, individuals gained increased self-confidence from learning and performing their job duties. Once people were competent in their jobs, they were referred to various job placement agencies in the city.

SELECTIONS is a community based non-profit agency that assists adults with developmental disabilities to find and maintain employment and traditional volunteer opportunities. Once employment is found for consumers, staff assist them on the work site, giving them the time and support needed to properly train for the job and to become independent. Often this includes training to assist them in a social context; from learning the bus route to handling social situations with co-workers.

SELECTIONS is funded by the Edmonton Persons with Development Disabilities (PDD) Community Board under Alberta Seniors and Community Supports, which has repeatedly recognized Selections as one of the best employment programs in the city for adults with developmental disabilities. However, to meet increased demand for services Selections is seeking support from individuals and corporations within the community. For more information on how you can support Selections in its work supporting adults with developmental disabilities click here