Looking for Work with a Disability

Searching for work can be challenging for anyone, but it can be especially difficult for the 1 in 5 Canadians living with a disability

However, there are plenty of resources available to help individuals with disabilities find employment in Canada – as well as many accepting and encouraging businesses that want to hire you!

In today’s article, we’ll explore some of the ways that Canadians living with a disability can search for work and find the support they need to succeed.

Utilize government resources

The Canadian government offers a variety of support to help individuals with disabilities, including while you search for work, are starting a new job, or have been recently laid off.

These include resources and funding such as:

The Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefit
Employment Insurance Sickness Benefit
Ontario Disability Support Program
Ontario Disability Support Program – Employment Supports Program
Ontario Works
Growth Opportunities (GO) Program

In some cases, you are eligible to receive support for more than one program at a time, meaning that you can safely look for work and receive assistance without fear of having your other financial support revoked.

Talk to META about which programs might be best for you, and what other local community resources are also available!

Network with others in the disability community

Joining a support group or networking with other individuals with disabilities can be a great way to find job opportunities and gain support.

Many organizations and groups host events and activities for individuals with disabilities, and these can be great opportunities to connect with others who understand the unique challenges and opportunities of living with a disability.

There are also organizations that run unique programs, or offer support with individual needs related to disability and employment, such as:

Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work
Inclusion Canada
Canadian National Institute for the Blind
ODEN (Ontario Disability Employment Network)

Look for employers that have a commitment to diversity and inclusion

Many employers in Canada are committed to hiring individuals with disabilities.

These employers often have specific initiatives in place to support individuals with disabilities, such as flexible work arrangements, accommodations, and mentorship programs.

When searching for a job, look for employers that have a track record of hiring individuals with disabilities and that have a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Inclusive employers will make diversity and accommodation part of their charters, mission statements, and other top-level policies that you should be public for you to explore.

Use online job search engines

Many online job search engines, such as Job Bank, Indeed, and LinkedIn, have filters that allow you to search for jobs that are specifically targeted at individuals with disabilities. These can be a great way to find job opportunities that may not be advertised elsewhere.

You can also refine your searches for keywords such as “accessible”, “inclusive”, and “disability” to find job postings that put diversity first.

Consider where to apply

One strategy to consider is looking for job opportunities at small businesses. Small businesses can be a great work environment for individuals with disabilities, as they often have more flexibility in terms of work tasks and can offer greater opportunities for gaining a wide range of experience. Additionally, a survey by the BDC found that nearly 40% of small and medium-sized businesses are having difficulty finding new employees, making this a great time to apply for jobs at small businesses.

Another career path to consider is marketing. As an individual with a physical or mental disability, you may have unique insight into a specific audience’s perspective. This can be incredibly valuable in the field of marketing research. By combining your creative and analytical skills, you can research and develop campaigns that market products and services to people just like you.

Finally, consider becoming an entrepreneur. Entrepreneurship offers numerous opportunities to control your own work day and allows you to pursue your passions. Resources are available for entrepreneurs with disabilities through various private and public grants, as well!

Conclusion

Living with a disability can make job searching more challenging, but it doesn’t have to be impossible.

By utilizing the resources and support available, Canadians with disabilities can find the job that’s right for them. Remember to stay positive and never give up hope, there are many employers looking for qualified and diverse employees.

Did you know META specializes in helping people with disabilities find work that works for them? Our helpful team can work with you to determine the best resources available to you, apply for programs and funding, and match you with job opportunities that suit your needs and goals!

You can book a free appointment with us to get started today!

Looking for Work with a Disability