Disability and work
People with disabilities face substantially lower employment levels than the general working-age population. This page pulls together research and resources on policies and practices aimed at improving the labour market participation of people living with disabilities.
Featured
At Work article
Inclusive employment strategies, resources showcased at symposium
Published: November 12, 2025
Research Highlights
Examining four types of job disruptions due to a health condition, and the differences expected when workplace support needs are met
Job disruptions are common among workers living with chronic physical and/or mental health conditions, an IWH study has found. The study investigated the effects of workplace supports had on four types of job disruptions.
Published: March 11, 2025
Project report
Project report
Addressing knowledge gaps about skills of persons with disabilities: A literature review and key informant Interviews
There is currently little to no information on the foundational and transferable skill levels of persons with disabilities (PWDs). Through a literature review and key informant interviews, a research team set out to identify and fill knowledge gaps, as well as help inform the development of recommendations for how remaining gaps could be filled.
Published: February 2023
Journal article
Journal article
Experiential aspects of employment and their relationship with work outcomes: a cross-sectional study using a novel measure of participation in workers with and without physical disabilities
Published: Disability and Health Journal, February 2023
IWH Speaker Series
IWH Speaker Series
Racial and ethnic inequities in the return-to-work of workers following an injury or illness: Findings from a systematic review
Research in the field of occupational health has consistently found evidence of racial inequities, with workers of colour facing more frequent, severe, and disabling injury and illness when compared to white workers. In this presentation, Dr. Arif Jetha and Dr. Faraz Vahid Shahidi describe findings from a recent systematic review of literature examining racial inequities in the return-to-work (RTW) process. They synthesize existing evidence which has focused on racial and ethnic inequities in the re-integration of injured or ill workers. They also discuss opportunities to address obstacles faced by workers of colour in RTW and provide recommendations for future research.
Published: January 2023
Journal article
Journal article
The future of work in shaping the employment inclusion of young adults with disabilities: a qualitative study
Published: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, January 2023
Journal article
Journal article
Financial incentives to promote employment of persons with disabilities: a scoping review of when and how they work best
Published: Disability and Rehabilitation, January 2023
Project
Project
Inclusive Design for Employment Access (IDEA): Transition to work and career development
This project will identify and synthesize innovative school-to-work transition programs, practices and interventions for persons with disabilities that emphasize access to high-quality jobs and career success.
Status: Ongoing
Project
Project
Inclusive Design for Employment Access (IDEA): Evidence synthesis
As part of the IDEA initiative, IWH is leading an evidence synthesis component to identify needs/challenges, knowledge gaps and existing evidence-informed tools and promising practices related to IDEA's objectives.
Status: Ongoing
Journal article
At Work article
How government funding can best support the employment of persons with disabilities
What kind of government funding best encourages employers to hire and retain persons with disabilities? A research team at the Institute for Work & Health recently explored this question.
Published: May 2022
Project report
Project report
Funding employment services to create sustainable employment opportunities for persons with disabilities
This report provides evidence-based insights for policy-makers on the design and administration of funding programs for employment services for persons with disabilities that promote gainful and, ideally, sustainable paid employment opportunities.
Published: April 2022