Employment

CAN-ASC-1.1 Employment

Areas of focus

Areas where people with disabilities may face barriers to employment include:

• Information and awareness about available accommodations and training
• Finding and keeping a job
• Seeking workplace accommodations
• Career and job development

This standard is in development

Standard started on March 15, 2021.

Public review expected in summer 2023.

Publication expected in summer 2024.

Technical committee members

Academic and research bodies

Dr. Mahadeo Sukhai (Chairperson), Director of Research and Chief Inclusion and Accessibility Officer, Canadian National Institute for the Blind

Emile Tompa, Senior Scientist, Population Workforce Studies Program, Institute for Work & Health

Consumer and public interest

Andrew Livingston (Vice Chairperson), Chief Executive Officer, Dexterity Consulting

Monique Beaudoin, Consultant (semi-retired)

Norma McCormick, Founder and Principal, Corporate Health Works Incorporated

Government and authorities having jurisdiction 

Glen Hayes, Senior Human Resources Advisor, Treasury Board Secretariat

Kelsey Baker, Human Resources Administrator, Halifax Port Authority

Pamela Lahey, Senior Policy Analyst, Accessible Canada Directorate, Employment and Social Development Canada

Rachel Desjourdy, Accessibility Lead, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

Industry and commerce

Jamie Burton, Chief Executive Officer, INNoVA 

Steven Lewis, Manager, Legal Counsel and Accessibility Lead, Capital One Bank (Canada)

Mark Wafer, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Megleen

Labour and unions

Emmanuelle Lopez-Bastos, Human Rights, Equity and Diversity Co-ordinator, United Food and Commercial Workers Union 

Seema Lamba, National Human Rights Officer, Public Service Alliance of Canada 

Non-governmental organizations

Christine Lund, Policy and Program Coordinator, Strategic Advisor for Children, Youth and Families, Tungasuvvingat Inuit  

Don Gallant, National Director, Ready Willing and Able, Inclusion Canada 

Gary Malkowski, Director, Deaf Culture Centre, Sign Language Institute Canada

Wendy Lau, Chief Executive Officer, Leads Employment Services

Career Transitions and Accessibility in the Canadian Federal Public Service

This research project is completed.

Who is leading this research?

Carleton University

What is the goal of this study?

This study focuses on employees with disabilities within the Canadian federal public service. Its goal is to investigate the factors that facilitate or hinder career transitions at key points. These transitions are moments of significant change. They include the points where employees:

• join the public service (for example, when they are hired);
• move within it (for example, when they get promoted); and
• leave the public service (for example, when they quit or retire).

Why does this study matter?

It is important for employers to know how they can help employees with disabilities have a successful employment life cycle. This can help these employees navigate the process and increase their job opportunities.

What are the key findings?

• Employers need to fully address requests for accommodation. They need to do this promptly.
• A co-worker “buddy” system improves onboarding.
• Managers need to make conversations about accessibility the norm.

Managers share a common desire to accommodate employees with disabilities. When managers have the tools to support these employees, they gain confidence in their ability to provide accommodation.

If you would like a full copy of the report, please email us. 

Indigenous Communities and Federal Accessibility Standards: A Situational Review

This research project is completed.

Who is leading this research?

First Nations National Building Officers Association

What is the goal of this study?

This study will look at how programs and services aimed at removing barriers for people with disabilities can be improved in Indigenous communities.

Why does this study matter?

This study will provide a better understanding of Indigenous perspectives on disability and accessibility. This knowledge can then be applied to future standards.

What are the key findings?

• Few studies exist on the barriers faced by people with disabilities living in Indigenous communities.
• Many public buildings in Indigenous communities were not designed to be accessible. This is especially true for older buildings.

Designing public space in Indigenous communities needs to involve people from the community, especially people with disabilities.

If you would like a full copy of the report, please email us.

Future of Work and Disability

This research project is completed.

Who is leading this research?

Ontario College of Art and Design University

What is the goal of this study?

This study will look at how artificial intelligence and other technologies affect people with disabilities. The goal is to determine whether these technologies limit or improve their employment opportunities and well-being.

Why does this study matter?

The use of artificial intelligence in employment processes is increasing. The impact of this on people with disabilities needs to be studied. This will ensure everyone is treated equally. It will also ensure that people with disabilities are not excluded from the process as an unintended consequence.

What are the key findings?

• Artificial intelligence cannot overcome certain employment barriers. These include job applications that are not accessible. It also includes systems that do not value the skills of people with disabilities.
• Artificial intelligence could support inclusion by removing hiring barriers. Adaptive technologies that are based on artificial intelligence can be used to support people with disabilities. Data can be used to “train” artificial intelligence to recognize and support diversity.

Artificial intelligence can support inclusion. However, it cannot overcome attitudinal barriers. These continue to be the greatest barrier to employment for people with disabilities.

If you would like a full copy of the report, please email us.

The Future of Work: Equitable Digital Systems

This research project is still underway.

Who is leading this research?

Ontario College of Art and Design University

What is the goal of this study?

This study will review the digital tools and software used in federally regulated workplaces that present barriers to employees with disabilities.

Why does this study matter?

These tools need to be accessible to improve employment opportunities for people with all types of disabilities.

What are the key findings?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.

Building an Evidence-Based Universal Design Framework for Employment Standards in Canada

This research project is still underway.

Who is leading this research?

Canadian National Institute for the Blind

What is the goal of this study?

This study will gather information about universal design practices in the workplace. It will determine the best practices for people with sensory and visual disabilities.

Why does this study matter?

Best practices can inform employers on how to improve employment access for people with sensory and visual disabilities.

What are the key findings?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.

Advancing Equal Access for People with Intellectual Disabilities in the Workplace

This research project is still underway.

Who is leading this research?

Inclusion Canada (formerly Canadian Association for Community Living)

What is the goal of this study?

This study will gather information about barriers to employment for people with intellectual disabilities. It will do this by consulting with individuals and employers. It will use this information to develop best practices. 

Why does this study matter?

Best practices can inform employers so they can improve employment access for people with intellectual disabilities.

 What are the key findings?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.

Future-Focused Job Accommodation for the School-to-Work Transition

This research project is still underway.

Who is leading this research?

Institute for Work and Health

What is the goal of this study?

This study will investigate current and emerging barriers that young people with disabilities could face when they transition from school to work. It will identify how existing workplace policies and practices could be adapted to improve employment access.

Why does this study matter?

It is important to understand what young people with disabilities need to transition successfully from school to work. This will help inform employers on how they can support this transition.

 What are the key findings?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.

Developing Recommendations and Guidelines for Augmentative and Alternative Communication to Enable Persons with Motor, Communication, and Speech Impairment to Participate in Employment

This research project is still underway.

Who is leading this research?

Queen’s University

What is the goal of this study?

Augmentative and alternative communication devices make it possible to communicate in ways other than speech. The goal of this study is to determine the requirements for such devices to enable people with motor control and communication disabilities to participate in employment.

Why does this study matter?

This research will help improve access to employment opportunities for people with motor control and communication disabilities.

 What are the key findings?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.

Employment Accessibility Standards for Recruitment and Retention of People with Disabilities

This research project is still underway.

Who is leading this research?

Social Research and Demonstration Corporation

What is the goal of this study?

This study will review information on approaches, training, tool kits, and other employer resources. The goal is to identify and develop successful practices to hire and retain people with disabilities.

Why does this study matter?

Employers need successful strategies and approaches to hiring and retaining employees with all types of disabilities.

 What are the key findings?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.

The Impact of Remote Work on Workplace Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities

This research project is still underway.

Who is leading this research?

McMaster University

What is the goal of this study?

People with disabilities face barriers when working remotely. This study will identify the barriers to workplace inclusion in a remote work environment. 

Why does this study matter?

Ensuring inclusion in diverse work arrangements is important for people with disabilities. Broader efforts in this area are needed.

What are the key findings?

Key findings will be shared once the research is completed.