September is Disability Employment Month in British Columbia, and the Career Centre is proud to highlight the invaluable contributions of individuals with disabilities in the workforce, as well as the employers and communities that champion their success. Over half a million British Columbians live with various disabilities, including physical, mental, and emotional challenges.
Individuals with disabilities may encounter barriers in the workplace such as discrimination during recruitment, insufficient disability awareness among employers, and a reluctance to provide reasonable accommodations. Employers must avoid inappropriate questions during the hiring process and should offer accommodations like accessible formats for written materials and accessible application processes. Misconceptions about employees with disabilities—such as the belief that they are less productive or more costly—are unfounded. In reality, people with disabilities represent a highly skilled but underutilized talent pool that can meet today’s workforce demands. The Job Accommodation Network reports that 57% of employees with disabilities require no additional accommodation costs, with most requests for flexible hours, job redesign, and additional training.
If you have a disability and are job hunting, you may be uncertain about whether to disclose it to a prospective employer. While you are not legally required to disclose your disability if you don’t need accommodations, it is wise to consider your strengths and barriers when applying for jobs. The “Disclosing Your Disability – A Legal Guide for People with Disabilities in BC,” produced by the Disability Alliance of BC, offers valuable insights on disclosure and accommodations, including a table outlining the pros and cons of disclosure at various stages of your job search. Remember, while employers can ask if you can meet the job requirements, they cannot legally inquire about your disability during an interview.
For employers, numerous resources are available to help assess and improve the accessibility and inclusivity of your workplace in areas such as facilities, customer service, policies, hiring practices, and communications. Understanding the principles of accessibility—dignity, independence, integration, and equal opportunity—is crucial. You can explore tools and guidelines here:
Accessibility HR Toolkit https://www.supportedemployment.ca/hrtoolkit/accommodations/.
Navigating employment and community involvement with a life-changing disability requires resilience and courage. By focusing on your unique strengths and the support provided by compassionate and accommodating employers, we can work together to build a more inclusive community.
Explore our workshops at the Career Centre, such as “Branding You” https://www.careercentre.org/workshops-events/.
Looking to enhance your personal resilience? Check out this useful guide and workbook From Surviving to Thriving Guide https://www.workplacestrategiesformentalhealth.com/pdf/From_Surviving_to_Thriving_EN.pdf.
Find additional resources to help you succeed: https://www.workbc.ca/Resources-for/People-with-Disabilities.aspx.
