Statistics Canada has revealed that nearly 60% of people with disabilities encounter accessibility barriers to employment. If a more severe disability or long-term condition is involved, that percentage goes up to nearly 70%.
Tangible Steps Businesses Can Take to Break Down Barriers to Employment
- Remove Bias from Job Descriptions – Use clear, plain language and focus on essential skills rather than unnecessary requirements.
- Offer Multiple Application Methods – Ensure online applications are accessible to screen readers and provide alternative formats, such as phone or paper applications.
- Flexible Work Arrangements – Offer remote work, flexible hours, or part-time roles to accommodate various needs as possible.
- Work with Service Providers – Along with other organizations that serve people with disabilities, DDA offers disability education to employers and employment placement through its Jobs West employment service. We work with clients and businesses to ensure success.
- Ask the Experts – The Rick Hansen Foundation, Neil Squire Foundation, CNIB, Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility are a few of the agencies that can support accessibility at work.
- Use plugins to make your website accessible – For example, DDA uses Accessibe.
Why Inclusive Employment Matters
Research shows that diverse teams are more innovative, productive, and profitable. Additionally, ensuring equal employment opportunities helps reduce poverty levels and increases overall economic participation. The bottom line is hiring a diverse workforce makes businesses stronger, and more profitable, and drives inclusion and worker satisfaction.
Additional resources for the business community:
- Accessible Employers guide supports BC businesses in becoming inclusive, diverse, equitable employers: https://accessibleemployers.ca/
- A free course on Autism in the workplace for employers: https://circa.educ.ubc.ca/autism-in-the-workplace/
- Assistive tech for the workplace: https://www.workbc.ca/discover-employment-services/assistive-technology-services
