The Business + Higher Education Roundtable (BHER) has released a new report detailing employer perspectives on hiring persons with disabilities (PwDs), underscoring the need for more inclusive workplaces in Canada.
Despite advancements in education and work readiness among PwDs, they remain an underutilized talent pool, it said.
The report, developed in partnership with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) and funded by Accessibility Standards Canada, aims to identify and address the barriers PwDs face in the workplace. This initiative aligns with the Government of Canada’s Accessible Canada Act, which seeks to create barrier-free workplaces by 2040.
Through discussions with hiring and equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) managers, the report reveals several challenges. These include misconceptions about accommodating PwDs, restrictive organizational structures and hiring processes, and a lack of capacity and funding.
One unnamed talent leader from a Crown corporation highlighted the practical benefits of hiring PwDs, stating, “Hiring more PwDs is not only the moral thing to do, it’s a business decision: there is an amazing talent pool of candidates that are ready to work and commit to your organization. We need this talent more than ever in the current market.”
The report emphasizes the need for employers to have access to information, resources, and support to foster inclusive workplaces. It includes a tool to help employers assess their current level of accessibility and a guide to available supports.
This report is part of a broader BHER initiative to enhance workplace accessibility across Canada. The federal budget announcement has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the Disability Inclusion Action Plan, and BHER plans to continue its efforts through projects with CNIB and new initiatives on digital accessibility with eCampusOntario.
The full report is available to all interested parties and serves as a resource for employers seeking to improve their practices and create more inclusive work environments for PwDs.
View the PDF at https://bher.ca/publications/research-publications/employer-perspectives-hiring-persons-disabilities