Role of accommodations and communication practices in supporting the employment participation of Canadians living with disabilities

Reasons for the study

Studies of working-aged Canadians indicate that people living with disabilities are more likely to experience difficulties finding and sustaining employment, and to report work productivity loss and job disruptions when compared to their peers not living with a disability. Increasingly, research is showing that communication about, and access to, workplace benefits, policies and accommodations can act as important barriers or facilitators to the employment of people with disabilities. This study conducted an online survey of 1,800 employed Canadians living with or without a disability or health limitation to gain a more in-depth understanding of work context factors and their relationship with communication and accommodation use.

Objectives of the study

Target audience

This study was part of a larger seven-year program of research and knowledge mobilization to enhance the quantity and quality of community participation among Canadians living with physical disabilities. This project will lead to a specific set of recommendations that employers and policy-makers can use to support the work participation of Canadians living with disabilities through accommodation and communication policies and programs.