BC Centre for Employment Excellence
There is much concern about the transition of youth with mental health issues from child/adolescent to adult mental health services. This is complicated by their passage from childhood to adulthood which generates developmental needs beyond those that are illness-specific. Studies have … Continue reading
The World Health Organization estimates that 35.6 million people worldwide early onset dementia and of these, 10 per cent are under 65 years of age and potentially still in the workplace. In the face of an aging population and workforce, … Continue reading
There is growing interest among practitioners and policymakers to improve delivery of vocational rehabilitation (VR) services to enhance employment outcomes of people with disabilities. However, agencies face a number of challenges when delivering these services. First is the heterogeneity (or … Continue reading
While the proportion of working-age individuals relying on Disability Insurance (DI) benefits has increased, the labour market integration of people with disabilities remains very low. In the OECD, the mean DI beneficiary rate among working-age individuals was 5.8% in 2008 and … Continue reading
For many individuals with health problems that threaten their ability to work, the decision to leave their jobs—either permanently or temporarily—is often made without fully understanding the short- and long-term effects of joblessness on their health and well-being. As a … Continue reading
Though most people with psychiatric disabilities show a desire to work, they are more likely to experience negative labour market outcomes than those without these disabilities. Moreover, work is often critical to their recovery and functioning by increasing their self-esteem and … Continue reading
Employment programs often do not work as intended owing to behavioural responses of clients to different aspects of the programs. For example, some people do not participate in all available services offered by a program, or others drop out of … Continue reading
Past research has shown that individual support and placement (ISP) is a best practice in the vocational rehabilitation of people with severe mental illness (SMI) – defined as “chronic mental illness that interferes with the person’s ability to deal with … Continue reading
The National Collaborative for Workplace Diversity for Youth (or NCWD/Youth) is a US-based initiative that was formed to respond to the challenge that many youth with disabilities have in finding gainful employment. Composed of partners in disability, education, employment and … Continue reading
The employment rate of individuals with a disability in the United States is less than half that of employees without disabilities. To help reduce that gap, this study by researchers at the K. Lisa Yang and Hock E. Tan Institute … Continue reading
Canada’s growing trucking sector is facing significant shortages in such key positions as drivers and mechanics, owing to turnover, ageing, and insufficient supply. To help meet the industry’s current and future labour needs, this report by Trucking HR Canada makes … Continue reading
Workplace disability arising from injury and illness on the job is costly for employers who are typically held responsible for affected employees’ return to work. Thus, employer discussion on workplace disability has focused on prevention of injury, illness and hazardous … Continue reading
Given that up to a half of individuals who receive treatment for substance abuse will relapse–most within a year, this post by Social Solutions Global, an American human services management software company, highlights three important research-based strategies to ensure effective … Continue reading
Canadians with disabilities continue to face relatively high rates of unemployment and underemployment despite past promises of equal opportunity for them. With a new federal government committed to policy and program innovation and inter-governmental collaboration towards a goal of inclusive … Continue reading
This paper from Carolyn Dudley, David B, Nicholas and Jennifer D. Zwicker of the University of Calgary illustrates factors that contribute to successful employment outcomes for persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Adults with ASD have some of the lowest employment … Continue reading
The IASE is a not-for-profit organization established in 1994 to promote supported employment in Ireland. The IASE promotes supported employment at a national level, to job seekers, employers, disability and other services, policy makers and the general public. The IASE … Continue reading
The Conference Board of Canada partnered with the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario’s EnAbling Change program to develop a toolkit that is designed “to help employers tap into a vibrant and underutilized labour pool—people with disabilities.” It provides “practical advice to … Continue reading
This study by Sally Lindsay, Laura R. Hartman and Melissa Fellin of the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital and the University of Toronto in the October 2015 issue of Disability and Rehabilitation provides a systemic review of the literature on … Continue reading
Each year, many workers lose their jobs or leave the workforce after their ability to work is disrupted by a medical condition. Keeping these workers in the labor force could help them stay productive, maintain their standard of living, and … Continue reading
Prior research has well-documented the fact that the employment rate for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities continues to remain the lowest of all people with disabilities in Canada (Crawford, 2004, 2005, & 2011; Statistics Canada 2008), hovering in the … Continue reading
This is a simple guide book to assist Australian businesses to better understand and partner with disability employment services to recruit from the entire talent pool and make it easier for candidates with disabilities to get and keep jobs. Continue reading
This study is focused on how professionals providing absence and disability management services and their organizations are responding to the aging workforce. It outlines some of the leading practices and challenges the Disability Management Employer Coalition (DMEC) has observed for … Continue reading
This document uses a case study approach to explore the variety of approaches of services delivered to youth with disabilities during the transition time from school to work. This research study applies to career practitioners as it outlines several strategies … Continue reading
This briefing focuses on the benefits and returns that accrue when organizations invest in accessible employment practices. This article is aimed at helping businesses to be more accessible for people with disabilities. While it discusses many ideas from the Accessibility … Continue reading
This report takes a comprehensive look at the business case for employing people with disabilities and details the steps companies can take to change their hiring practices to promote a more inclusive workforce. The report’s key objectives are to raise … Continue reading
This research publication is about identifying policies, programs and employment programs to promote the inclusion of people with physical disabilities in the workforce. This publication is targeted at three audiences: vocational rehabilitation and employment service providers; employers; and business leaders … Continue reading
For employers who want to address the issue of absenteeism in the workplace. Employers can learn more about different measures that can be implemented to prevent employee absences, as well as other effective disability management practices. Continue reading
This career handbook developed to help job seekers prepare for their entry into the labour market provides tips and advice on job search, resume and interview preparation, and how to conduct oneself properly on the job. Continue reading
Employers who are interested in learning more about employing people with psychiatric disabilities may want to refer to this guide for retention strategies and tips. Continue reading
This study examined various transitioning programs for high school students with disabilities to help career practitioners develop effective programs that would improve post-high school outcomes of students with disabilities, including employment. Continue reading
Designed to assist people who are blind or visually impaired acquire skills they need to find and maintain employment. Using this tool, career practitioners can help individuals who are blind or visually impaired learn about self awareness, employment and interview processes, as well as useful tips and tools. Continue reading
Employers who want their workplace to be more diverse can learn about the processes for hiring and training employees with disabilities, as well as the benefits to hiring people with disabilities. Continue reading
Learn about recruiting and retaining people with disabilities to make the workplace more inclusive in the non-profit sector. The guide covers various topics including business case for hiring people with disabilities, and challenges and barriers to creating a more inclusive workplace. Continue reading
Provides strategies and implementation tips for career practitioners helping clients with mental health issues find meaningful employment. This guide highlights various strategies and approaches to providing employment assistance to people suffering from mental illness. Continue reading
Assist career practitioners and job coaches in delivering effective supported employment programs to people with severe disabilities. The guidelines provide definitions and explanations, as well as guiding principles of supported employment. Continue reading
Consists of tools and diversity resources to assist employers in promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The website highlights major news articles on diversity and inclusion and offers tips, tools, and strategies for transforming the workplace. Continue reading
About the study This study examined social, economic, and employment outcomes of individuals with intellectual disabilities who have obtained employment through supported employment. Through a review of relevant literature, the study identifies the kinds of impact supported employment initiatives have … Continue reading
This study examined a pilot project in Israel that combined supported employment with supported education to help people suffering from severe mental illness find employment in skilled vocational occupations. Continue reading
Provides career practitioners with useful information for assisting people from diverse populations find meaningful employment. The guide addresses challenges each group face by providing different ways to deal with those challenges. Continue reading
This study analyzed the interim findings of the Youth Transition Demonstration (YTD) project evaluation, and the impact the project evaluation had on paid employment and earnings of youth with disabilities. Continue reading
Designed for employers who want to create an inclusive workplace for people with disabilities, immigrants, Aboriginal people, and others covered by the Canadian Human Rights Act. The guide provides information about the duty to accommodate, workplace accommodation policies and procedures, and individual accommodation procedures. Continue reading
This study examined the cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) for people with severe mental illness. Continue reading
This study examined barriers and catalysts for young people with disabilities in finding employment after completing their studies, and further identified experiences and challenges they face when making the transition from education to employment. Continue reading
This study examined functioning, health, and social needs of job seekers with mental illness, and further compared results to that of job seekers with both mental illness and drug and alcohol issues. Continue reading
This project report was developed to identify the best approaches to supporting clients with mental health problems, and further enhance career practitioners in their professional practice. The report presented findings from key informant interviews, consultations, and surveys of career practitioners and their clients with mental health issues in Nova Scotia. Continue reading
Provides employers with business strategies and a framework for promoting disability inclusion in the workplace. The guide includes information about changing the workplace culture, instructions on how to accommodate employees with disabilities, and recruiting, hiring and retaining strategies. Continue reading
Provides case studies of employers’ organizations and business networks that have been successful in advancing disability employment. Employers’ organizations may want to refer to these examples of promising initiatives for advice on promoting the inclusion of people with disability in the workplace. Continue reading
Using Statistics Canada’s Participation and Activity Limitation Survey (2006), this study examined employment and labour market outcomes of people with intellectual disabilities by demography and labour market activities, and further compared the results to that of people with other disabilities. Continue reading
Provides information on evidence-based supported employment programs implemented in the United States. Career practitioners and employers may want to utilize the videos to learn more about the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model that has been effective in helping people with disabilities find job placements. Continue reading
Designed to assist employers who are interested in hiring people with disabilities. The guide includes resources and advice on how to recruit and hire, as well as accommodate people with disabilities at work. Continue reading
Provides comprehensive resources on customized employment for people with disabilities. Career practitioners can utilize these resources to learn more about the process of customized employment, customized entrepreneurship, and customized employment planning. Continue reading
Designed to assist career practitioners working with youth, including youth with disabilities. The guide helps youth-serving practitioners understand learning disabilities in youth and learn more about the support programs and existing research. Continue reading
The study examined various approaches taken by employers to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities, promising practices in advancing disability employment, and lessons learned from different partnership models and strategies. Continue reading
The detailed summary report provided information such as employment outcomes about the Customized Employment Demonstration Project. Continue reading
The study examined the promising practices in labour market programs and initiatives for people with disabilities. The study also provided lessons that can be learned from successful labour market programs for people with disabilities. Continue reading
The study examined general and disability-related literatures to measure interrelationships between disability and job retention, and career progress. Thematic reviews and meta-analysis of these literatures focused on four dimensions at micro and macro level. Continue reading
Provides profiles of specialized population groups focusing on Aboriginal people, youth, women, and people with disabilities. This easy-to-read resource booklet has recruitment and retention tips, workplace checklist, sample interview questions, and relevant statistics on specialized population groups for employers. Continue reading
Helps youth with disabilities, or anyone who is having a hard time finding a job, explore self-employment option. This easy-to-use toolkit provides checklist, exercises, and step-by-step instructions complete with information on self-employment. Continue reading
Provides company profiles highlighting company initiatives and employment practices related to hiring, training, and accomodating people with disabilities that would be especially helpful for employers who are interested in hiring people with disabilities. Continue reading
Provides career practitioners and employers with tools and resources that would help people with vision loss find employment. Information on career development process and pre-employment programme trainer’s manual are available for career practitioners while employers can find tips and information that addresses employers’ concerns of hiring and working with people who are blind. Continue reading
Shows examples of successful customized employment for people with disabilities in the community. Through this video, career practitioners and employers can see how much impact the customized employment have on the lives of people with disabilities and their families. Continue reading
Provides a series of information sheets on disability research including data and employment-related statistics. For career practitioners and career service providers working with people with disabilities, this information on disability research would be helpful when designing programs and developing initiatives. Continue reading
Provides an in-depth information on customized employment that is of use to career practitioners. It includes step-by-step instructions on designing and implementing customized employment plans and workbooks career practitioners may find useful when working with clients. Continue reading
Outlines the Customized Employment Demonstration Project that Community Living BC and the Ministry of Social Development are currently undertaking. This project is designed to support and assist people with developmental disability find meaningful employment. Continue reading
Materials such as fact sheet and videos on customized employment are available on the website. Customized employment videos are especially useful for employers who are interested in learning more about customized employment and evidence-based employment strategies. Continue reading
Offers examples of best practices and successful initiatives directed at hiring and managing post-secondary students with disabilities. These examples highlight what some ‘role model’ employers are doing right and provide a case for other organizations and businesses to follow suit. Continue reading
Provides practical information for employers who are looking to hire persons with disabilities or wanting to create a more inclusive workplace. This comprehensive handbook gives businesses step-by-step instructions, checklists, and tips on how to approach recruiting persons with disabilities and how to better accomodate them. Continue reading
Program list for people with disabilities is available here. Continue reading
