The numbers don’t lie – hiring people with disabilities is good for business.
Research shows that diverse and inclusive workplaces are:
Twice as likely to meet or exceed financial targets
Six times more likely to be innovative
Six times more likely to effectively anticipate change
Source: Government of Canada
You don’t always know
who is living with a disability.
People with disabilities include those with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, cognitive disabilities, mental health challenges, and more. Whether they have a visible or invisible disability, people with disabilities are vital members of the workforce.
Luke Adrian, Rona Hope Building Supplies Store Manager
“As employers, we need to know and understand our team members strengths and weakness. Putting our people in situations where natural abilities bring them success is so important. Whether it’s a team member with disabilities or not, the formula for feeling valued and safe is the same.”
Resources for Employers
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Wage Subsidies
Wage subsidy offers employers opportunities to:
- Cover a portion of wages for employees
- Re-hire laid off employees
- Hire new employees
- Fill various hiring needs
- Support existing operations or expansion
- Reduce work-related barriers for an employee with disabilities -
Assistive Technology Services
Assistive Technology Services provides equipment and devices to help individuals thrive in the workplace. Supports available through Assistive Technology Services include workplace access and modification, assistive devices, equipment and technology, and communication and hearing devices related to work.
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Employer Toolkit
Learn about the skills people with disabilities bring to the workplace and use our ‘how-to’ resources, that provide practical tips and strategies on successful recruitment, hiring, inclusion and retention of people with disabilities. Explore the Employer Toolkit from Hire For Talent.
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Enabling Accessibility Fund
The Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) provides funding for projects that make Canadian communities and workplaces more accessible for persons with disabilities. EAF aims to create more opportunities for persons with disabilities to take part in community activities, programs and services, or access employment
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A Template for Developing a Workplace Accommodation Policy
This Accommodation Policy Template was developed by the Canadian Human Rights Commission to help employers meet their human rights obligations. This easy-to-use tool is for employers that may not have the time or resources to develop an accommodation policy.
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Guide to Planning Inclusive Meetings
Well-planned meetings are an essential communication tool for any organization. Meetings in the workplace and in volunteer and community groups regularly bring people together to share information, develop strategies, work toward common goals and celebrate successes. The success of any meeting depends on the active participation of all invited participants. Given the amount of time, effort and resources spent on planning meetings, it makes good business sense to think of and organize meetings in a way that supports full participation.
Gail Marlatt, Owner of the Somewhere Else Café
“Having co-workers who experience disabilities has helped the team realize that effective communication is very important and that listening is key.”
Learn More About Hiring People With Disabilities
Myth: Most people with disabilities use wheelchairs
Fact: About 1% of Canadians use wheelchairs. Pain, mobility and flexibility limitations are the most common types of disabilities in Canada. Many disabilities are not visible.
Myth: It costs too much to adapt the workplace for an employee with a disability
Fact: 57% of employers spend nothing on workplace adaptations. Most workplace adaptations are low or no cost. The most frequently required workplace adaptations are:
flexible work schedules, such as modified or reduced hours (19%)
modified or different duties (13.5%), or
special chair or back support (11.2%)
And, depending on the province or territory, there may be regional government programs that can help pay for some workplace adaptations.
Source: Government of Canada
Free Rein Associates Is Here To Help
Career Cafe
Career Cafe provides skills training, and related supports to people experiencing multiple barriers to employment to increase success in the labour market.
WorkBC
WorkBC is your direct access to the world of work in British Columbia. Its key goal is to help all British Columbians successfully navigate B.C.’s labour market.