Building disability confidence in Canada’s financial sector

Reasons for the study

Traditionally, programs and research on employment of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Canada and internationally have focused on preparing individuals for employment. However, little attention has been given to employer capacity for hiring and accommodating PWDs. This study aims to help address this imbalance. Using an evidence-informed intersectional approach, this project will develop and launch an online toolkit specifically designed for the Canadian financial sector.

Objectives of the study

  • Develop and launch an online toolkit specifically designed for the Canadian financial sector, featuring products, guidance and services that fulfil employer responsibilities under the Accessible Canada Act, while also meeting the talent needs of the sector
  • Lead the development of two modules in the toolkit and develop two evidence-based resources: one focused on performance management, and the other on determining and fostering the level of engagement among workers with disabilities
  • Bring the community of disability-focused organizations together to collectively support the development of the toolkit and ensure their viewpoints are incorporated into toolkit

Target audience

The project is expected to result in a toolkit that will aid managers and staff across all departments in Canadian financial institutions to define and understand "disability confidence" and what it means to be confident, and not just compliant, in all areas pertaining to hiring and accommodating persons with a disability. The project will also bring disability-focused organizations together to collectively support the development of the toolkit, while ensuring that all organizations’ unique viewpoints are captured and incorporated within the final product.

Project status

Ongoing

Research team

  • Emile Tompa, Institute for Work & Health (PI)
  • Emma Irvin, Institute for Work & Health
  • Alexis Buettgen, McMaster University

Collaborators and partners

Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians
Autism Speaks Canada
Barrier Free Saskatchewan
BC Aboriginal Network on Disability Society
Business Disability International
Canadian Autism Spectrum Disorder Alliance
Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work
Canadian Cultural Society of the Deaf
Canadian Council of the Blind
Canadian Hard of Hearing Association
Canadian Mental Health Association
Canadian National Institute for the Blind
Council of Canadians with Disabilities
Disabled Women’s Network of Canada
Every Canadian Counts Coalition
Eviance
Inclusion Canada
Institute for Research and Development on Inclusion and Society
Manitoba League of Persons with Disabilities
March of Dimes
Millions Missing Canada
Muscular Dystrophy Canada
National Education Association of Disabled Students
National ME/FM Action Network
Spinal Cord Injury Canada

Funded by

Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work