Employers discuss the benefits of hiring youth with disabilities.
Employers
Explore CanWork BC’s employer tools and resources with essential insights and practical strategies to create inclusive and supportive workplaces. You’ll learn more about the benefits of hiring youth with disabilities and how to create a supportive work environment with accommodations and tools you can use today and every day to attract and retain youth with disabilities on your team.
Why this matters
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There's so much more potential out there that we haven't tapped. We just need to start looking at the individual and letting them determine what they're capable of.”
Marc Taschereau, COCO Cafe
Job seekers with disabilities often face unnecessary barriers in the hiring process—not because they lack skills, but because they fear being seen as a challenge rather than an asset. Proactively offering workplace accommodations communicates your commitment to accessibility, reassures candidates that they will be valued for their abilities, and creates an environment where all employees can contribute and succeed, ultimately strengthening your team and organization.
Marc hires youth with disabilities.
Benefits of hiring youth with disabilities
Hiring youth with disabilities is beneficial for organizations as it fosters a diverse and inclusive workforce. This not helps in breaking down stereotypes but also brings unique perspectives and innovative ideas to the table. By embracing diversity, companies can improve their overall productivity and workplace culture, creating a more equitable environment for all employees.
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Diverse perspectives
Fresh viewpoints enhance creativity and problem solving.
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Stronger workforce
Promotes inclusivity and boosts morale.
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Skill development
Unique skills contribute to success.
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Impact
Shows commitment to social responsibility.
Support for hiring youth with disabilities
Take a look at the resources we have created to support your work. You can also learn more about resources for youth, service providers, and educators.
Hiring
Creating an inclusive and supportive workplace.
Onboarding
Help new employees understand workplace culture.
Engagement and growth
Tools and strategies to help youth with disabilities thrive and contribute meaningfully to your workplace.
Performance and transitions
Navigate workplace conversations with empathy and respect.
Understanding disability in the workplace
Disability refers to an inability to participate fully and equally in the workforce due to the interaction between an impairment and a barrier.
Impairment + Barrier = Disability
Learn more
Learn more about the Provincial Employment Strategy for Youth with Disabilities (ESYD) and CanAssist.
Removing barriers
Employers can remove barriers in the workplace by implementing accommodations. These are changes made to a role or work environment to ensure full and equal participation of an employee. Employers should work collaboratively with employees to make accommodations that suit their needs.
Common impairments
Employers can remove barriers in the workplace by implementing accommodations. These are changes made to a role or work environment to ensure full and equal participation of an employee. Employers should work collaboratively with employees to make accommodations that suit their needs.
Here are some examples of how accommodations can help remove barriers for youth with disabilities.
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Dyslexia
Dyslexia can cause impairments in reading and writing. With access to speech-to-text or grammar correction applications, these impairments may not be disabling.
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Anxiety
Anxiety can cause panic attacks that impair the ability to complete job tasks. With flexible breaks for anxiety-reducing exercises, these impairments may not be disabling.
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Chronic pain
Chronic pain can cause periods of pain that impair the ability to complete certain work tasks. With alternative work duties during periods of pain, these impairments may not be disabling.
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Hearing loss
Hearing loss can cause impairments when listening to auditory information. With closed captioning and live transcripts during video calls, these impairments may not be disabling.