Making Inclusivity the Standard: A Call to Action for Disability Employment Awareness Month

In Canada, approximately eight million individuals aged 15 and over live with one or more disabilities that limit their daily activities. Of this population, 41% can work if they have access to a fully inclusive labour market. (2017 Canadian Survey on Disability) Despite progress, this disparity reveals that there are still significant barriers. Much work is still needed to fully integrate people with disabilities into our society, especially in equal access to employment opportunities. 

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, a time to celebrate the invaluable contributions of people with disabilities in the workforce, but also to continue campaigning for inclusive employment practices. As the Executive Director of ABLE2: Support for People with Disabilities, I am proud to highlight our strong commitment to fostering an inclusive and accessible workplace that reflects our vision; an inclusive community where all people are seen as able, important, and valued. 

At ABLE2, we are actively breaking down barriers to employment through a workplace that embraces accessibility and diversity. Our office is equipped with adaptive office furniture, specialized tools, and technologies to meet the diverse needs of our employees. We offer flexible working hours and a hybrid work setup, ensuring that every employee has the support they need to thrive. These are not just accommodations; they are integral strategies that enable our staff to be efficient and productive leaders in empowering people with disabilities in our communities. 

But inclusivity does not stop at the office door. Ongoing training is provided to the team, the Board, and volunteers to recognize the value of diverse perspectives. Our Consumer Advisory Committee (CAC), composed of individuals with lived experience, works closely with our Board to ensure that the best interests of people with disabilities are well represented in the development and implementation of ABLE2’s programs. We have incorporated the principles of Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity and Belonging (DEIB) into our policies and procedures, ensuring that everyone involved with ABLE2 is aligned with these values.  

We continuously review and update our accessibility plans and policies to remain effective and relevant to new regulations and best practices. Through these initiatives, we are dismantling misconceptions about disability and employment, proving that inclusivity not only benefits employees with disabilities— it strengthens the entire organization. 

This Disability Employment Awareness Month, I urge business and agency leaders to critically assess their own workplaces. Ask yourself: are you doing enough to ensure everybody’s needs are considered? I also encourage employees at all levels to continue to advocate for themselves and their colleagues by calling out practices that are unjust or exclusive. We all have a role to play in ensuring that everyone, including people with disabilities, has equal opportunities to contribute and thrive in the workforce. 

Finally, let us continue to make inclusivity the standard. Let us keep upholding the right to meaningful employment for all and tapping into the potential of a talented and underutilized workforce. Let us move beyond awareness to action—because when we break down barriers, everyone benefits. 

Published by

Heather Lacey

Experienced Non-Profit Executive Director

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