Want to tap into this talented labour pool?
Learn how right here!

Discover community partners who are ready to help you, and programs and tools that can show you how to find, hire and retain persons with disabilities.

Transcript

Hundreds of thousands of Canadians with disabilities are ready to work. And the resources you need to help hire them are right here.

A message from the Government of Canada.

Visual: Canada wordmark is shown on black background

Text on screen: Canada.ca/right-here

How to hire persons with disabilities

Hiring persons with disabilities is easier than you might think. If you are ready to make your workplace more inclusive, here are some steps to help you get started, as well as links to some tools and resources.

  • Get informed: Learn that disability is diverse and that many types of disabilities are invisible. Challenge what you may think disability should look like. Broaden your understanding of disability, learn how to use respectful language and take some disability awareness training.
  • Make an inclusive workplace policy: Establish some guidelines about your organization’s commitment to inclusion and accessibility. What is your vision for your accessible and inclusive workplace? Your policy does not have to be complicated. Post your policy on your website.
  • Find and remove barriers: An inclusive workplace is one where everyone has the tools and supports they need to succeed. Assess your workplace: Is the physical environment accessible for persons with disabilities? Do you offer flexibility regarding sick days, work location and job duties? Is the work culture inclusive or are there stereotypes and misconceptions?

Get help from community partners

From workplace adaptations to creating a more inclusive workplace, community partners can help you employ persons with disabilities.

Community partners can:

  • Work with you to understand your labour needs
  • Remove barriers by helping to ensure your recruitment process is inclusive
  • Provide training for you and your employees
  • Help match you with qualified candidates in your community.
  • Support workplace accommodations

To find and connect with a partner organization near you:

  • Search your local 211.ca for disability employment service providers, or
  • Find lists of disability employment partners here:

Find benefits and programs

The following employment benefits, financial supports, and allowances may be available to you when you hire a person with a disability.

The following Employment and Social Development Canada programs further support the creation of accessible workplaces.

  • The Enabling Accessibility Fund is available for projects that make Canadian communities and workplaces more accessible
  • Wage subsidies are available through the Student Work Placement Program to help hire post-secondary students
  • The Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program funds sectoral projects helping employers attract and retain a skilled workforce that includes members from equity-deserving groups
  • The Canada Summer Jobs Program, part of the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, provides funding for not-for-profit organizations, public sector employers, and businesses with 50 or less full-time employees to create summer job opportunities for youth
  • The Apprenticeship Service provides targeted support to employers who hire first-year apprentices in eligible Red Seal trades, and additional funding to eligible employers who hire from an equity-deserving group, including persons with disabilities
  • The Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities supports projects that help employers to hire and retain employees with disabilities and create more inclusive and accessible workplaces
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