OTTAWA,
ON, May 21, 2024 /CNW/ - Persons with
disabilities (PwDs) are an under-utilized talent pool in
Canada, despite significant
strides in post-secondary achievements and work readiness. BHER, on
behalf of our members, is working to understand and undo barriers
to work for PwDs.
The Government of Canada is
developing new accessibility regulations as part of the Accessible
Canada Act, with the goal of making workplaces barrier-free for
PwDs by 2040. In partnership with the Canadian National Institute
for the Blind (CNIB), and with funding from Accessibility Standards
Canada, we spoke to employers about the barriers, needs, and
enablers when it comes to hiring, supporting, and retaining
PwDs.
The hiring and EDI managers we spoke to face misconceptions
about how to accommodate PwDs, prohibitive organizational
structures and hiring processes, and capacity and funding needs.
One Crown corporation talent leader noted: "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."
Clearly, employers need information, resources, and support to
create inclusive workplaces. To get started, they need to know
where to find help and who they can partner with.
Our report, available to all here, also offers a tool that
helps employers self-identify what level they are at in the journey
to universal accessibility, and a guide to available supports for
employers.
This work is part of a larger series of BHER projects that
facilitate increasing accessibility for a better future of work for
all Canadians. The recent federal budget announcement reaffirmed
Canada's commitment to the
Disability Inclusion Action Plan, and BHER looks forward to
supporting this with further projects in partnership with CNIB, as
well as exciting new work on digital accessibility with
eCampusOntario.
To schedule an interview with BHER, please contact
comms@bher.ca.
SOURCE Business + Higher Education Roundtable (BHER)