Essential Resources
Centre for Accessibility is an on-campus resource that offers students with disabilities support with the identification of academic accommodations and the disclosure process. They can also help identify or recommend accomodations for practicum, co-op and other work-integrated placements that are part of your academic program.
In 2016, Disability Alliance BC partnered with the Law Foundation of BC to produce Disclosing Your Disability: A Legal Guide for People with Disabilities in BC. This essential job search and career exploration resource will be useful at any point in your career development.
Inclusion BC hosts workshops and an annual conference on relevant topics, and offers advocacy.
Canada’s Top 100 Diversity Employers List is a helpful list of employers that are known to have hiring practices that prioritize diversity.
Work BC Resources for People with Disabilities - includes resources for education, grants, individual and group-based support, internships and access to assistive technologies.
BC Public Service - Work Able Program – a 12 month paid internship for recent graduates.
The Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work (CCRW) Job Accommodation Service (JAS®) offers the opportunity to have a representative act as the mediator between yourself and your employer as you negotiate for accommodations.
To learn more about common accommodations suitable for various disabilities refer to the Job Accommodation Network’s Searchable Online Accommodation Resource.
For more information about your employer’s obligations, refer to the in depth NEADS guide on duty of accommodate and disclosure. For more information on equity-related employment and labour legal considerations, refer to the introductory section to this resource.
Additional Canadian Resources
Canadian Hearing Society for employment services and resources for those that are culturally deaf, oral deaf deafened or hard of hearing. Based in Ontario.
Canadian Mental Health Association for resources to support employees and employers to sustain wellbeing in the workplace. Also see their BC chapter and their Not Myself Today campaign.
Canadian National Institute for the Blind for individuals with sight loss. Provide resources to support academic and workplace success.
Futurepreneur Canada for anyone exploring starting a business.
Government of Canada Opportunities Fund for support preparing for, obtaining and maintaining employment or self-employment.
Work Able offers paid internships through the Government of British Columbia.
Work Ink Employment Site to find job postings by equity employers.
Additional Opportunities
Coast Mental Health Employment & Education for opportunities to transition into or back into meaningful work.
Disability Awards to access Canada’s portal to awards and scholarships for students with disabilities.
Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program for Western Canadians interested in accessing a network of business professionals and resources related to building a business, training and development, mentoring and one-on-one counselling.
Lime Connect or mentorship, internships, scholarships and support finding full-time employment.
Next Billion for internships and mentorship in the tech industry.
Open Door Thrive Program for individuals living in Vancouver that identify as having a mental health condition or addiction. Offers coaching, career resources, bursaries and more to support individuals to achieve their wellness goals.
People in Motion Employ-Ability Program for Canadians to support students with physical disabilities to prepare for future employment. Offered at no cost to those that qualify.