Disability Resources

Are you an employer seeking resources to learn more about Disability? Below you will find tools and resources designed to assist your company in creating an inclusive workplace.

Disability in Canada

Research & Reports

A Way With Words And Images: Guide For Communicating With And About Persons With Disabilities  

This guide supports communication with and about persons with disabilities in writing, speech and images. It aims to foster an accessibility- and disability-confident Canada. It is intended to support the federal public service and all Canadians to communicate accurately and confidently.  

https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/disability/arc/words-images.html  

Profile of Persons with Disabilities in Canada 

Workforce Planning Hamilton created an infographic sharing from the latest Canadian Survey on Disability based on 2022 data from Statistics Canada. 

https://www.workforceplanninghamilton.ca/infographics/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1TgfFwkZd7S9o6cI5Sid5e2tDntGOo1v18YVnSKS7By980Ns7yKYPXXts_aem_Ab1lmWlrVfdeNMtGKseIqCkbnlGnHXZUtieFzDUFOOf8pHhNlIIoAwUmF94wm6nkGM4GJjUg7SCICSs4Z9JBrf1s  

The Visible Minority Population with a Disability in Canada: Employment and Education

This infographic  depicts the current work and educational environment for people within the visible minority population who have a disability.

Source: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/11-627-m/11-627-m2020086-eng.htm (2020)

Community Resources

Making Cent$ of Abilities Employers’ Resource to Hiring and Retaining Persons with Disabilities  

A local initiative from the Workforce Planning Board of Waterloo Wellington Dufferin highlighting the economic benefits of employing persons with disabilities, how employers can recruit workers with disabilities and the available supports for employers in doing so. 

https://www.workforceplanningboard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Making-Cent-booklet.pdf  

 

Training & Tools

Beyond AODA Compliance

https://learn.odenetwork.com/beyond-aoda-compliance/

Disability Awareness and Confidence Training for Business

https://www.odenetwork.com/training/disability-awareness-and-confidence-training-for-business/

Inspire, Hire, Train, Retain Training Series: Disability Inclusive Hiring in Ontario Healthcare

Created through a province-wide collaboration between nine Ontario health-care organizations, three employment service partners, and funded by Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation and the Government of Ontario, this free training supports disability-inclusive hiring in health care. The IHTR materials are customizable, practical, and designed to align with your organization’s HR, EDI, and Occupational Health goals.

https://hollandbloorview.ca/advocacy/disability-workplace/inspire-hire-train-retain-ihtr

Ontario Corporate Training Centre – Learning Modules

https://ontariotrainingcentre.com/business/octc-ontario-corporate-training-center-online-learning-centre/

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Research & Reports

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder 

Learn about Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).  

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd  

Business Case Study: Les Armoires Séguin 

Les Armoires Séguin hired a young person who had Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and recognized the potential of their employee, they made changes to their training processes and provided training other staff on working with a person who has ADHD.   

https://www.odenetwork.com/case-studies/les-armoires-seguin-2019/  

Community Resources

Attention Deficit Disorder Association

ADDA offers sources of information for and about adult ADHD and provides virtual peer support groups, educational and supportive webinar series and much more.

https://add.org/

Project Gold Learning Disability Employment Help Toronto

Project GOLD is a free program that assists adults with learning disabilities, ADD or ADHD to achieve a better understanding of their learning disabilities in order to achieve and retain meaningful employment. The program includes a return-to-work action plan, employment-related workshops, job search support, and job coaching.

https://www.jvstoronto.org/project-gold/

Y’s Owl Maclure Co-operative Centre

Y’s Owl Maclure Co-op Centre provides additional services to teens and young adults who are autistic, have ADHD, or identify with other expressions of neurodiversity. Programs include: Gaming social Rec Group, Cooking/LifeSkills and Job Skills Development.

https://ysowlmaclure.org/

Training & Tools

ADHD in the Workplace Webinar by the Centre for ADHD Awareness Canada

This free online presentation reviews potential strengths and impairments ADHD symptoms could cause in the workplace, how to assess these and if and how the employee might discuss this with their employer. The focus will be on potential strategies and accommodations that can be implemented for specific impairments and settings.

https://caddac.ca/programs-events/adhd-in-the-workplace/

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Research & Reports

Fostering Inclusion: Exploring the Needs of Autistic Adults in Canada 

This report explores the needs of adults in Canada who have autism and how we can better support the health and wellbeing including challenges they have finding jobs and getting enough support at work. 

https://autismalliance.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2024_EN_Adult-Needs-Assessment-Survey.pdf  

Community Resources

JVS Toronto

JVS Toronto offers services to people who have a disability including their Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Job Readiness Project. JVS Toronto provides recruitment and hiring supports, and much more.

https://www.jvstoronto.org/home/

Live Work Play

LiveWorkPlay provides direct supports and services in the Ottawa area to deliver its mission: helping the community welcome and include people with intellectual disabilities, autistic persons, and individuals with a dual diagnosis to live, work, and play as valued citizens. They provide supports to employers including job matching, pre-employment support and ongoing support.

https://liveworkplay.ca/

Words Matter 

A collaborative language and communication guide in the autism field. The theory behind person-first language is that it puts the person before the disability or the condition and emphasizes the value and worth of the individual by recognizing them as a person instead of a condition.   

https://www.autismcanada.org/_files/ugd/890d7b_5b22c35327fd4d0e8314b17714ba3608.pdf  

Training & Tools

Autism Workforce Development Hub 

Prepare everyone for a successful employment experience with free training and consultation programs that bridge the gap between employers and neurodiverse employees.  

https://www.autism.net/autism-workforce-development-hub  

 

Blind and Visual Impairments/Disabilities 

Research & Reports

Blindness Myths and Facts 

Learn some myths and misconceptions about blindness and people who are blind with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB).  

https://www.cnib.ca/en/sight-loss-info/blindness/blindness-myths-and-facts?region=gta  

Canadians with a seeing disability, 2017

This infographic describes important stats regarding Canadians who have visual impairments.

Source: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/11-627-m/11-627-m2019071-eng.htm (2019)

Community Resources

CNIB – Canadian National Institute for the Blind

CNIB provides knowledge, skills, and confidence to people who are blind or partially sighted including employment workshops, recreational activities, peer support groups or technology training sessions. CNIB programs are free and available to Canadians who are blind or partially sighted, as well as their families, friends and caregivers.

https://www.cnib.ca/en/programs-and-services?region=on_north

Training & Tools

Clear Print Accessibility Guidelines

The CNOB Foundation created a Clear Print Accessibility Guidelines for businesses to use when producing materials that help them reach a wider audience.

https://www.cnib.ca/sites/default/files/2020-08/Clear%20Print%20Guidelines%202020.pdf

CNIB Come to Work

CNIB Come to Work programs helps employers access an untapped pool of talented worker. The program offers workshops and training, fostering professional development and enhancing company culture.

https://cometowork.ca/

Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Research & Reports

Business Case Study: Rockwool 

Rockwool collaborated with the Ontario Disability Employment Network and the Bob Rumball Canadian Centre of Excellence for the Deaf to provide changes to become more accessible to hire employees from the Dead community. 

https://www.odenetwork.com/case-studies/rockwool-2019/ 

Canadians with a Hearing Disability 2019

This infographic describes important stats regarding Canadians who have a hearing disability.

Source: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/11-627-m/11-627-m2019025-eng.htm (2017)

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth in Ontario: A Snapshot of Systemic Barriers and Gaps 

This report identifies ten gaps and barriers among Deaf and Hard of Hearing youth communities and three solutions are offered to address these gaps and barriers. 

https://silentvoice.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/EN_report.pdf  

Hearing Loss 101  

Learn about hearing loss from the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association.  

https://chha.ca/hearing-loss-101/  

Information Guide by Canadian Association of the Deaf

Learn more about the Canadian Association of the Deaf (CAD) and their research that uncovered the rate of under and unemployment among Deaf Canadians.  

https://cad-asc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/CAD-ASC-information-guide.pdf  

Community Resources

Canadian Hearing Services

Canadian Hearing Services is a proud Canadian not-for-profit and the country’s leading provider of programs, services, education, and products that enable the Deaf and hard of hearing community to overcome barriers to participation. Services for businesses include Sign Language Interpretation, translation and captioning, communication devices, and much more.

https://www.chs.ca

Equitable Access Guide

The Bob Rumball Organization provides a variety or training and resources increase inclusion of people who are deaf and hear of hearing.

https://www2.bobrumball.org/training-resources/

Navigating Workplace Accommodations for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Employees

The Canadian Hearing Services blogpost discusses understanding the needs, assistive technology, and workplace adjustments.

https://www.chs.ca/blog/navigating-workplace-accommodations

The Ontario Association of Sign Language Interpreters

The Ontario Association of Sign Language Interpreters (OASLI) is a non-profit association of professional visual language interpreters across Ontario. Our members work alongside deaf individuals and organizations to improve the quality of interpretation services through promoting the use of professional interpreting services.

https://www.oasli.on.ca/index.php

When and How to Work with an Interpreter

This article provides essential guidance on working with interpreters to facilitate effective communication with Deaf, deafened, or hard-of-hearing individuals. It outlines when interpreters are needed, factors to consider when hiring, and practical tips for creating smooth, respectful interactions through interpretation. Whether you’re planning a meeting, event, or appointment, this resource helps ensure inclusivity and clear communication by emphasizing preparation, professionalism, and cultural understanding. It’s a must-read for businesses and organizations aiming to create accessible and supportive environments for everyone.

https://www.oasli.on.ca/index.php/interpreters/when-to-use-an-interpreter

Accreditation and Employer Screenings

This article explains the various accreditation levels and employer screenings for ASL-English interpreters in Ontario, helping businesses understand the qualifications and designations interpreters may hold. The article also emphasizes the importance of hiring qualified interpreters who adhere to professional codes of conduct to ensure high-quality, ethical interpreting services. It’s an essential resource for businesses seeking to navigate the process of selecting competent interpreters for accessible communication.

https://www.oasli.on.ca/index.php/interpreters/accreditations-and-employer-screenings

Silent Voice Canada

Silent Voice Canada serves Deaf adults, youth, children, infants, and their families in an American Sign Language (ASL) environment.

https://silentvoice.ca/

Training & Tools

Amplify Access Training Program for Employers 

This program will introduce you to accessible strategies, tools, and technologies to transform your workplace into an inclusive and supportive environment. You’ll also deepen your awareness and sensitivity to the unique experiences and challenges faced by individuals with hearing loss and deafness in and outside the workplace.  

https://amplifyaccess.talentlms.com/index 

Deaf Learn Now

Deaf Learn Now is a tuition free, online literacy program run by George Brown College for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Adults who live in Ontario, Canada.

https://choices.georgebrown.ca/

Equitable Access Guide – A Guide to Using Interpreters  

A guide to make your service accessible for Deaf and Hard of Hearing consumers.  

https://equitable.bobrumball.org/  

Developmental Disabilities

Research & Reports

Business Case Study: Aurora’s Pizza and Spaghetti House is Finding Success by Welcoming Diversity into the Family 

Aurora’s Pizza and Spaghetti House finds success working closely with Community Living Algoma (CLA) and the value of hiring people who have a disability.  

https://www.odenetwork.com/case-studies/auroras-pizza-and-spaghetti-house-2023/ 

Final Research Report: Advancing Equal Access for People with Intellectual Disabilities in the Workplace Project  

Inclusion Canada, People First of Canada and the Canadian Institute for Citizenship and Inclusion researched employment barriers and the needs of people who experience intellectual disabilities. 

https://inclusioncanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Advancing-Equal-Access-for-People-with-Intellectual-Disabilities-in-the-Workplace-Final-Research-Report-March-2023-Branded.pdf 

Community Resources

Community Living & Respite Northumberland

Community Living & Respite Northumberland provide a range of supports and services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

https://communitylivingrespite.ca/

Community Living West Nipissing

Community Living West Nipissing provides personalized support services that help individuals with disabilities thrive with dignity and independence. Its mission is to support individuals with developmental disabilities in living within the community while accessing the necessary resources to ensure a high quality of life.

https://communitylivingwestnipissing.com/

Info Sheet: Equal Access at Work  

Read the Info Sheet summarizing ways the Government of Canada can support equal access at work for people with intellectual disabilities.   

https://inclusioncanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/InfoSheet_23-03-30.pdf  

KW Habilitation

KW Habilitation has a proud history of supporting people with developmental disabilities, and today, our programs are open to anyone in our community who can benefit. That includes people facing any barrier to employment, families with young children, and people of all abilities looking for supportive, inclusive spaces to learn, connect, and grow.

https://kwhab.ca/

Norfolk Association for Community Living

Norfolk Association for Community Living promotes and supports the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all aspects of community life.

https://nacl.ca/

Ottawa-Carleton Association for Persons with Developmental Disabilities (OCAPDD)

OCAPDD/Open Hands provides support to hundreds of persons with developmental disabilities, in every aspect of life whether seeking work opportunities, securing living arrangements or dealing with day-to-day tasks.

https://www.ocapdd.on.ca/

Quad County Support Services

Quad County Support Services provides supports and services to adults who have a developmental disability living in Southwest Middlesex, West Elgin, Dutton-Dunwich and the eastern parts of Lambton and Kent counties.

https://quadcounty.ca/

Reena

Reena’s team of expert job coaches work together with each participant to facilitate job readiness skills training workshops as well as individual support with securing meaningful and sustainable paid employment in the competitive labour market.

https://reena.org/

Ready, Willing & Able  

Ready, Willing & Able transforms and increases labour force participation of people who have an intellectual disability and those on the autism spectrum. It advances economic productivity and social inclusion. It is a national strategic partnership between Inclusion Canada, the Autism Alliance of Canada, and provincial bodies including Community Living Ontario. This is the most successful program of its kind in Canada.  

https://readywillingable.ca 

South East Grey Support Services (Life Directions Employment Supports)  

South-East Grey Support Services supports adults with a developmental disability. They develop an individualized support system that includes the individual, his or her family, a community team coordinator, direct service workers, friends, and other community members.

https://www.segss.com/

Training & Tools

Real Xchange 

Community Living Essex County created REAL Xchange with a vision to bring agencies together to share the information, tools and resources needed to best support people with intellectual disabilities. 

https://realxchange.communitylivingessex.org/ 

Episodic Disabilities

Research & Reports

Episodic Disabilities in Canada 

Centre for Research on Work Disability Policy (C.R.W.D.P.) research “Episodic Disabilities in Canada” was a three-phrase project that focused on hiring, retention, and progression in employment of people who have episodic disabilities.  

https://www.crwdp.ca/sites/default/files/Research%20and%20Publications/episodic_disabilities_in_canada_-_october_4_-_final.pdf 

IDEAL Community Consultations: Intersectionality, episodic disability and access to health services, community supports and employment in Canada

The focus of this document is an intersectional examination into the living realities and various aspects of access barriers to health services, community-based organizations and employment for people living with episodic disabilities in the Canadian landscape. The participating organizations serve communities that provided unique intersectional considerations of gender, racial identity, faith community, health conditions, sexual identity, and age with disability. 

https://www.realizecanada.org/wp-content/uploads/IDEAL-Community-Consultations-Report-Executive-Summary.pdf  

Workplaces REVAMPED (Workplaces REcognizing the VAlue of eMPloyees with Episodic Disabilities)  

This report reviews the goals of the REVAMPED project, raising employers’ awareness of episodic disabilities and their impact on work through the development of a number of interactive and accessible education and awareness-raising activities.  

https://www.realizecanada.org/wp-content/uploads/REVAMPED-Report-20230525-FINAL-2.pdf  

Community Resources

Accommodations Guide

Epilepsy Toronto has created Accommodations in the Workplace: A Practical Guide for Supporting Employees Living with Epilepsy, funded by the Government of Ontario, which offers epilepsy learnings, low-cost accommodation ideas, and real examples from people whose workplaces helped them thrive.

https://mailchi.mp/epilepsytoronto/accommodations-guide

Disclose and Accommodation Planning – What do we need to improve job retention for people who are living with a disability?  

Presented by Monique A. M. Gignac, PhD at the 2022 Rethinking Disability Conference (RDC): Future of Work, explore how to improve the communication-support process for people living with episodic disabilities to enhance their ability to gain and sustain employment. 

https://aced.iwh.on.ca/videos-and-presentations/disclosure-and-accommodation-planning-what-do-we-need-improve-job  

Epilepsy@Work

Epilepsy@Work provides training and information on how to support coworkers, clients and customers with epilepsy in the workplace.

https://www.epilepsyatwork.com/en

Epilepsy Toronto

Epilepsy Toronto promotes independence and quality of life for people with epilepsy and their families through support services, information, advocacy and public awareness. Epilepsy Toronto provides resources for businesses including training, access to a talent pool and much more.

https://epilepsytoronto.org/

Migraines Talks: Episode 10 -Migraines in the Workplace podcast hosted by Migraine Canada.

Even though the World Health Organization recognizes the disabling impact of migraines, there is still work to do in order to change perceptions and shape adapted work environments. Reviewing some studies on the consequences of migraines in one’s professional life, Dr. Leroux discusses challenges and solutions with patient advocate Maya Carvalho.

https://player.captivate.fm/episode/2b5e4f81-c533-4e76-b7ba-3c0bbd787003

Training & Tools

Job Demands and Accommodation Planning Tool (JDAPT) 

The Job Demands and Accommodation Planning Tool (JDAPT) helps workers with chronic and episodic conditions—and the workplace parties who support them—identify accommodations tailored to job demands that allow workers to successfully stay in their jobs. 

https://aced.iwh.on.ca/jdapt

Ontario Brain Injury Association’s Return to Work Program

Offered through the Ontario Brain Injury Association and funded in part by the Government of Canada, this free tailored online training and consultation program is designed to equip employers with the knowledge and tools needed to support staff returning to work after a concussion/brain injury. In just 75–90 minutes, employers will gain valuable insights into concussion/brain injury, the return-to-work process, accommodations, mental health, managing setbacks and effective communication. Employers also receive personalized consultation with a registered Occupational Therapist (OT) and optional employee support from an OT and Social Worker. Valued at over $4,000+, these services are available at no cost to help create more inclusive and supportive workplaces. 

To learn more about the Employer Support Initiative: https://braininjuryandreturntowork.ca/employer-program/ 

To sign up for the Employer Support Initiative: https://obia.questionpro.ca/Employersignup 

Learning Disabilities

Research & Reports

Disclosure in the Workplace  

James A. Cincotta, MA Ed shares about disclosing a learning disability in the workplace.  

https://www.ldao.ca/introduction-to-ldsadhd/articles/about-lds/disclosure-in-the-workplace/  

Understanding Learning Disabilities 

Understand learning disabilities result from impairments in one or more processes related to perceiving, thinking, remembering or learning as well as different types of learning disabilities. 

https://www.ldac-acta.ca/understanding-learning-disabilities/  

Community Resources

E3 Community Services

E3 Community Services is a non-profit, registered charitable organization providing comprehensive support services for people of all ages with intellectual disabilities and their families throughout Simcoe County and South Georgian Bay.

https://e3.ca/

Empower Simcoe

Empower Simcoe has been a cornerstone of support for individuals with intellectual disabilities, driven by a passionate volunteer Board of Directors. From early childhood programs to community living and comprehensive housing support, Empower Simcoe is committed to fostering inclusion, independence, and meaningful connections for all we serve.

https://www.empowersimcoe.ca/

Learning Disabilities Association of Canada

National organization providing advocacy, policy, and educational resources for individuals with LDs and their families.

https://www.ldac-acta.ca/

Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario

The Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario is dedicated to improving the lives of children, youth and adults with learning disabilities. LDAO offers many resources, services, information, venues and products designed to help people with LDs and ADHD, as well as parents, teachers, and other professionals.

https://www.ldao.ca/home/

Training & Tools

A Day In the Life of an Employee With Dyslexia by Tara Drinks

Learn how dyslexia can impact employees in the workplace and ways employers can help.

https://www.understood.org/en/articles/a-day-in-the-life-of-an-employee-with-dyslexia

EMC Canada – Supporting Learning Differences Toolkit

A national initiative focused on learning differences (including learning disabilities) in the manufacturing sector. Offers an employer toolkit for training and workplace performance with learning differences, including strategies for hiring, onboarding, and supporting neurodiverse employees.

https://emccanada.org/emc-network/funded-programs/learningstyles

Neurodiverse Workplaces: A Manager’s Toolkit (2024)

Developed by Conestoga College, this toolkit provides practical strategies for creating inclusive workplaces for neurodivergent and neurotypical employees. It includes communication tools, onboarding strategies, accommodations, self-assessment worksheets, and management practices. While it addresses neurodiversity broadly, it explicitly includes learning disabilities and offers valuable approaches for supporting employees with LDs.

https://www-assets.conestogac.on.ca/documents/www/employers/neurodiverse-workplaces-a-managers-toolkit-2024-eng.pdf

Mental Health Resources

Research & Reports

Infographic: Mental Disorders in Canada, 2022 (Stats Canada)

This infographic visually depicts important stats regarding Canadians who have a mental disorder.

Source: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/11-627-m/11-627-m2023053-eng.htm (2022)

Mental Health in the Workplace: An Accommodation Guide for Managers and Staff 

Mental Health in the Workplace: An Accommodation Guide for Managers and Staff was produced by Mental Health Works to help employers and managers understand how to assist a colleague with a mental health concern and appropriately accommodate them in the workplace. 

https://www.mentalhealthworks.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/CMHA_Mental-Health-Works-Guidebook.pdf  

Mind the Gap: Addressing the Mental Health and Addictions “Echo Pandemic” in Ontario 

Informed by robust consultations with mental health experts and its members, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) is building on previous policy work related to mental health to investigate the interconnected impacts of the “echo pandemic” on SMEs, communities, and the provincial health care system.   

https://occ.ca/wp-content/uploads/Mind-the-Gap-FINAL.pdf  

Community Resources

Bounce Back Ontario

Bounce Back Ontario is a free skill-building program managed by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). It is designed to help adults and youth aged 15+ manage low mood, depression, anxiety, stress or worry.

https://bouncebackontario.ca/

Smart Serve Cares 

Smart Serve Cares is a program providing free mental health support and resources for hospitality in Ontario to those who possess a Valid Smart Serve Certificate.  

https://smartserve.ca/cares/  

Stride

Stride supports youth (16+) and adults struggling with mental health or addictions as they seek meaningful employment.

https://stride.on.ca/

Your Health Space

A free workplace mental health program for Ontario’s health care organizations.

https://yourhealthspace.ca/

Warm Line 

Individuals can receive support by speaking on the phone, texting or chatting online. The Warm Line is available for anyone who is 18 and older, looking to connect when feeling lonely, isolated or in need a friendly chat.  

https://www.warmline.ca/ 

Training & Tools

March of Dimes: Wellness Without Limits

A webinar series that offers employees practical strategies for improving their physical and mental health. The webinars are facilitated by two in-house experts – a registered psychologist and an occupational therapist who have extensive experience in the areas of mental health, disability in the workplace, and managing health conditions that impact functional abilities.

https://www.modcemploymentservices.ca/news-events/news/our-new-webinars-foster-employee-wellness-and-healthy-workplaces/

Working Towards Mental Wellness: A Toolkit for Employers by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce

Developed by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, this toolkit seeks to describe mental wellness in the workplace, outline the case for action, and provide resources for starting this conversation in your workplace.

http://occ.ca/wp-content/uploads/Working-Towards-Mental-Health-Interactive.pdf

Workplace Mental Health Playbook for Business Leaders by CAMH

This user-friendly playbook provides a path to more effective solutions and better outcomes for employees and businesses with 5 powerful recommendations.

Source: https://give.camh.ca/site/SPageNavigator/Components/Pages/EmailLanding_WorkplaceMentalHealth_2020.html;jsessionid=00000000.app20006a?NONCE_TOKEN=D2C365AE4E68253A26C6A6004F213D06#cta-sign-up-form (2023)

Healthy Minds At Work

Healthy Minds At Work is a program provided by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety that provides resources to help employers better understand and address mental health in the workplace.

https://www.ccohs.ca/healthyminds/

Mental Health Works

An initiative by the Ontario division of the Canadian Mental Health Association that provides mental health guides to workplaces to build awareness and encourage healthy and safe workplaces.

https://www.mentalhealthworks.ca/resource/

Mental Health Toolkit 

The YES WorkAbility (YWA) project is designed to assist employers in creating inclusive and accessible workplaces for people who have a mental health disability. Inside their complimentary Mental Health Toolkit, workplace leaders will have access to interactive courses, certificates, training modules and resources. 

https://yesworkability.ca/tool-kit-access  

Mental Health Structural Stigma in Healthcare eLearning Course 

This course is offered in partnership with the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) to health system leaders and healthcare professionals who want to better understand and identify structural stigma in their organization and how it contributes to inequity and poorer experiences and health outcomes for those experiencing mental health and substance use concerns.  

https://chalearning.ca/programs-and-courses/structural-stigma-training-for-health-care-leaders/?utm_source=mhcc_website&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=mhcc_support&utm_content=eng_stigma

Mobility/Pain Disabilities

Research & Reports

Canadians With A Mobility Disability

This infographic describes important stats regarding Canadians who have a mobility disability.

Source: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/11-627-m/11-627-m2020085-eng.htm (2020)

Canadians with a pain-related disability (2019)

This infographic describes important stats regarding Canadians who have a pain-related disability.

Source: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/11-627-m/11-627-m2019078-eng.htm

Fact Sheet on Limited Mobility

A quick fact sheet describing how people who have limited mobility navigate their world. Supported by multiple statistics , this sheet also provides recommendations for accommodations.

Source: http://hmdproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Fact-Sheet-on-Limited-Mobility.June-2023.pdf(2023)

Community Resources

Rick Hansen Foundation

The Rick Hansen Foundation’s mission is to inspire, create and deliver innovative solutions that remove barriers to inclusion for people who have disabilities. They provide accessibility training, education, and resources.

https://www.rickhansen.com/

Spinal Cord Injury Ontario

Spinal Cord Injury Ontario is Ontario’s largest community of experts in spinal cord injury, serving people with all mobility disabilities. SCIO is the primary source of services for individuals and families journeying from injury to achieving their personal life goals.

https://sciontario.org/

Training & Tools

Best Practices for Providing Access for Those with Limited Mobility  

Hidden Mobility Disabilities provides best practices to providing access to those with limited mobility. 

https://hmdproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Best-Practices-Regarding-Limited-Mobility.pdf  

Framework for Limited Mobility Physical Accessibility Requirements  

A framework to increase accessibility for limited mobility disabilities.  

https://hmdproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/HMDA-Framework-for-Limited-Mobility-Physical-Accessibility-Requirements.pdf  

Substance Use Disorders

Research & Reports

Recognizing Mental Health Disabilities and Addictions 

Review the policy on preventing discrimination based on mental health disabilities and addictions by the Ontario Human Rights Commission.  

https://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/policy-preventing-discrimination-based-mental-health-disabilities-and-addictions/4-recognizing-mental-health-disabilities-and-addictions 

When An Employee Has a Substance Related Problem  

Mental Health Works published a guide on what to do and how to engage with an employee who has a substance use disorder as a manger or supervisor.  

https://www.mentalhealthworks.ca/resources/when-an-employee-has-a-substance-related-problem-2/  

Community Resources

CAPSA Peer Support Meetings 

CAPSA provides free facilitated peer group meetings for individuals questioning their relationship with substances. In these groups you will find a safe environment to ask questions, free from stigma or discrimination. Individuals seeking help or wanting to help others are welcome.  

https://capsa.ca/peer-support-meetings/  

SOAR Community Services 

SOAR Community Services is a not-for-profit organization that has been offering help to the people in Brantford, Brant, and Haldimand for over 55 years. They provide community members with support in the areas of Employment, Housing, Justice, and Addictions and Mental Health.

https://www.soarcs.ca/

Training & Tools

Impaired at Work – A Guide to Accommodating Substance Dependence 

The purpose of this guide by the Canadian Human Rights Commission is to help federally-regulated employers address substance dependence in the workplace in a way that is in harmony with human rights legislation. This guide outlines the rights and responsibilities of the employee, job applicant, the employer, unions and/or employee representatives.  

https://www.chrc-ccdp.gc.ca/sites/default/files/publication-pdfs/chrc_impaired_at_work_v2018-3_eng.pdf  

Naloxone Awareness e-Course 

Workplace Safety & Prevention Services provides a 30 minute Naloxone Awareness training program that provides learners with the knowledge to recognize an opioid overdose, to administer naloxone, and acquaint the worker with any hazards related to the administration of naloxone.  

https://shop.wsps.ca/products/naloxone-awareness  

Substance Use in the Trades: Being Aware 

Register for this free course by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety to increase your awareness about the impacts of stigma, and the importance of a healthy and safe workplace. 

https://www.ccohs.ca/products/courses/substance-use-aware  

Substance Use in the Trades: Harm Reduction  

Register for this free course by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety to explore how workplaces and workplace leaders can address substance use and foster a healthier work environment. 

https://www.ccohs.ca/products/courses/substance-use-aware