Supporting accessible employment in Ontario
October is Disability Employment Awareness Month. We encourage you to explore resources that support greater levels of accessibility in your organization and across employers in your network. The following piece, supplied by the Ontario Ministry for Seniors & Accessibility outlines why investing in accessible workplaces isn’t just an investment in inclusivity, but better business and economic outcomes. It also outlines a variety of resources available for businesses to help develop their accessibility practices.
Accessible employment is a strategic advantage for businesses that can strengthen workforce performance, innovation and organizational reputation.
In an era of tough competition for top talent, people with disabilities represent a vast, untapped pool of skilled employees. In fact, in 2024, over 740,000 working-age Canadian adults with disabilities were unemployed but had the potential and desire to work.
And by removing barriers and creating inclusive workplaces, business also become more attractive to people with disabilities – a large and often overlooked group of consumers. In fact, there are an estimated 3.8 million people in Ontario (over the age of 15) who have at least one disability, and this number is anticipated to grow as the population ages.
Benefits of hiring people with disabilities
The Ontario Disability Employment Network (ODEN) compiled the following compelling statistics on the benefits of hiring people with disabilities:
- Increased profits – companies that hire inclusively grow profits up to three times faster than their competitors
- Increased consumer loyalty – 78 per cent of Canadians are more likely to buy a product or service from a business that hires people who have a disability
- Increased productivity – businesses practising inclusive hiring have 72 per cent more employee productivity
- A prepared workforce – 50 per cent of people who have a disability, have a post-secondary degree
Making businesses more accessible is generally easier and less costly than most people realize. And, the Government of Ontario has free resources specifically designed to help you find and hire employees with disabilities.
Other helpful tools and resources
Whether you are new to accessibility or have extensive experience making your business accessible, there is a wide range of free accessibility resources that you can use.
These resources provide information about how to implement accessibility practices, hire people with disabilities and meet legal requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.
Training for employees and volunteers
Support to help you meet your legal training requirements for employees and volunteers is available through AccessForward – a website with training modules, templates and resources for trainers.
This free interactive tool allows your employees to undertake training at their convenience. Training can be done online, or you can download or print information and share it with your employees.
Stay informed on the latest news
Stay informed by subscribing to the ministry’s quarterly accessibility e-newsletter called the AODA Toolbox. This provides accessibility updates, new resource information and success stories.
Businesses of all sizes can benefit from creating more accessible workplaces and implementing inclusive hiring practices. Accessible employment practices and inclusive workplaces can improve your reputation, expand your customer base, reduce turnover, and lead to a more diverse and creative work environment.
And by making your hiring practices inclusive, you are helping to provide all Ontarians with the opportunity to reach their potential and contribute to a more prosperous province.
