Workplace Accessibility Resources

Why does Accessibility Matter?

Creating an accessible workplace benefits everyone.  When you design your internal processes, physical work space, and products to be accessible to all – you create opportunities.  Opportunities to recruit, accommodate, and retain diverse employees, support existing employees with disabilities or barriers, and attract a wide range of customers.  With the implementation of the Accessible Canada Act underway, there’s no better time to develop the accessibility of your organization.  We’re here to support you.  Read below for more information on the upcoming Accessibility Legislation, why it’s important for your organization, and how CAES services can help you.

 

Accessibility Services Offered:

Workplace Accessibility Audit: full audit of accessibility of physical workplace, report and recommendations generated

Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace: assessment, review, recommendations

HR Audit: assessment, review, and recommendations of recruitment, accommodation, onboarding and retention policy

Even to this day, many employers hold some inaccurate ideas about accessibility or accommodations. In fact many employers often equate a large expense towards accommodating job seekers/employees with disabilities, with some thinking that stairs and doors are the only barriers to physically entering a building at a work site. Yet as managers, supervisors, co-workers, and community partners we all have a role in bringing the right to reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities in the workplace. Remaining flexible and utilizing creative thinking will be our greatest strengths towards workplace inclusion. What we all need to remember while addressing accommodations is that accommodations are afforded to all employees with or without a disability, that every person’s experience of a disability is unique, and we need to focus on a persons ability, not on their disability.

Cal Schuler

Diversity & Accessibility Consultant, Calgary Alternative Employment Services

The Accessible Canada Act will fundamentally change the way the Government of Canada addresses disability issues in our country. This legislation will help improve the lives of millions of Canadians with disabilities by proactively identifying, removing and preventing barriers to inclusion. I am beyond thrilled that, thanks to the unwavering support and tireless advocacy of the disability community, we are on our way to realizing a truly barrier-free and accessible Canada.

The Honourable Carla Qualtrough

Minister of Public Services & Procurement & Accessibility, Government of Canada

Accessibility Legislation in the News:

“Canada’s first federal accessibility legislation receives Royal Assent” – Employment and Social Development Canada, Government of Canada Website (June 21, 2019)

“Bill C-81, An act to ensure a barrier-free Canada: Nine initial observations” – CCD, Council of Canadians with Disabilities Website

“Canada’s first accessibility bill could become law next month: minister”Michelle McQuigge, CTV News (May 23, 2019)

“Passing Bill C-81 is critical to making Canada accessible for all Canadians” – Rick Hansen, Globe and Mail (April 22, 2019)

“AODA Alliance Calls on the Senate to Amend the Weak Bill C-81” – Greg Thomson, AODA Website, www.aoda.ca (December 3, 2018)

“Hon. Carla Qualtrough takes on additional responsibilities as Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility” – Carla Qualtrough MP Website, www.cqualtrough.liberal.ca (July 18, 2018)

“Minister Duncan introduces the proposed Accessible Canada Act” –  Employment and Social Development Canada, Government of Canada (June 20, 2018)

“Canada’s first national accessibility law tabled in Ottawa”Michelle McQuigge, The Canadian Press, CTV News (June 20, 2018)

“Legislation to improve accessibility for those with disabilities planned for spring” – Michelle McQuigge, The Canadian Press, CTV News (October 15, 2017)

“Canada’s new accessibility laws should focus on employment, inclusive buildings, transport” – Michelle McQuigge, The Canadian Press, The Star (May 29, 2017)

“Canadians with Disabilities Act to focus on employment: minister” – Michelle McQuigge, The Canadian Press, Global News (February 5, 2017)

Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities

#AccessibilityFail

Sometimes there are really well intended accommodations made that fall a little short of the desired outcome.  We appreciate the effort, but sometimes you just need to have a laugh and learn from mistakes.  Take a look around, evaluate the accessibility of your surroundings, and share your #AccessibilityFail pictures with us by mentioning us @CAES_YYC or email to info@calgary-employment.ca

Book your FREE Accessibility Consult

There’s no time like the present to get started on creating an inclusive and diverse workplace.  Contact us today to arrange your FREE Accessibility Consult.
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Accessibility Legislation News

Follow along with the hashtag #AccessibleCanada for the latest Federal Accessibility Legislation news.