People First of Canada and Manitoba believes in real work for real pay

People with intellectual disabilities should have choice and opportunity to earn a living through paid employment in the labour market. Employers must be open to a diverse workforce. Job accommodations and supports need to be provided. Wages and benefits should be equal to those of persons without disabilities.

Employment and careers are a central part of life.

Historically, people with intellectual disabilities have been placed in sheltered workshops and long-term make-work projects, on the assumption that people were thought to be unemployable. In these workshops, the work is often meaningless and the pay is merely a few dollars a day. Furthermore, people are congregated and segregated in these 'work' placements.