What are Accommodations?

I recently had to ask for accommodations at work.  They were little bits changes are known as  accommodations to ensure that the workplace suits the needs of employees. Accommodations are often a topic of conversation when it comes to recruiting people with disabilities.  In fact, it is one of the main barriers they face when they have the desire to enter the workforce.

Abilities in Mind: Beyond the Myths

According to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2005), people with disabilities are significantly underrepresented in the workforce compared to those without disabilities. It may be because of the many myths that have been around for years relating to employment and people with disabilities, such as the need to retrofit an office to ensure accessibility. Because of the myths and perceptions of employing people with disabilities in the workforce, the Employment Standard of the Integrated Accessibility Standard was created. 

There are many negative perceptions and attitudes towards people with disabilities and this is a key barrier to finding work. Disability is a big and complex category which affects each person differently. One individual may use a one-handed keyboard because one side of their body is paralyzed; another may need the assistance of a ‘to-do’ list because they have short term memory loss. People with disabilities are often unfairly stereotyped and can be the recipients of negative assumptions such as requiring extra training for the job or being unable to perform job duties successfully. They can also be mistakenly viewed as objects of pity or deserving charity.

Exposure, Awareness and Education

To this day, there is a level of fear when discussing the ‘elephant in the room’ and being around people with disabilities. Many people don’t know how to talk about it openly and candidly, preferring to look at disabilities as limitations and something to fear. It is the fear of the unknown.  Unless, employers have a personal connection or story with people with disabilities, they are often left with their social influences or media portrayals, which can support false assumptions.

Embracing Ability

The shifting perception of disability in the workforce will be highlighted by the targets of the Integrated Accessibility Standard.  This approach not all discusses accommodations but also the barriers in the hiring, acquiring and retaining of employers.  . It will bring together forward-thinking employers, innovative service providers and dynamic individuals with disabilities to focus on best practices for the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the workforce.

What accommodations are present in your work/life place?  Some are not visible!! 

If you are interested in learning more about Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) or how to make accessibility a natural part of your business through the application of Corporate Social Responsibility, please contact Sandra Broekhof @ 416-579-1035 or sandra_broekhof@sympatico.ca or visit www.accessibilitycompliance.ca