Disability and work
People with disabilities face substantially lower employment levels than the general working-age population. This page pulls together research and resources on policies and practices aimed at improving the labour market participation of people living with disabilities.
Featured
At Work article
Inclusive employment strategies, resources showcased at symposium
Published: November 12, 2025
Research Highlights
Examining four types of job disruptions due to a health condition, and the differences expected when workplace support needs are met
Job disruptions are common among workers living with chronic physical and/or mental health conditions, an IWH study has found. The study investigated the effects of workplace supports had on four types of job disruptions.
Published: March 11, 2025
Project
Project
Future-proofing young Canadians with disabilities for the changing labour market
This study systematically examines the future of work as it relates to young people with disabilities, with the aim of anticipating the work and labour market changes that will affect their inclusion and success in the future of work.
Status: Completed
IWH Speaker Series
IWH Speaker Series
Promoting labour market transitions for young adults with chronic disabling conditions: a systematic review
Young adulthood is an important phase of life when most people establish their careers. And yet, it's a time when many young adults with disabling health conditions find themselves excluded from the labour market. A systematic review led by Dr. Arif Jetha examined work-focused interventions to support the transition of these young adults into the labour market. In this presentation, he shares findings and highlights the effectiveness of these interventions across different career stages and disability types.
Published: November 2018
At Work article
Benefits outweigh costs for workplaces that accommodate people with mental illness
For employers, the economic benefits of hiring and accommodating workers with mental illnesses range from two to seven dollars for every dollar spent. That's according to a new study on the business case of accommodating mental illnesses.
Published: July 2018
Journal article
Journal article
Rehabilitation service models for people with physical and/or mental disability living in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review
Published: Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, April 2018
Project
Project
Project
Supporting the employment participation of Canadian young adults with chronic conditions: a systematic review
Status: Completed 2019
Project
Project
Best practices for work disability prevention management systems: a scoping review in support of new Canadian standard
Status: Completed 2019
Impact case study
WHO guidelines on rehabilitation in health systems informed by IWH systematic reviews
When the World Health Organization released its evidence-based guideline to help primarily low- and middle-income countries develop, extend equitably deliver rehabilitation services, it relied on evidence synthesized by an IWH research team for five of the guideline's nine recommendations.
Published: December 2017
IWH in the media
Workers with disabilities report greater OHS vulnerability
According to a new study by the Institute for Work and Health (IWH), workers who identify as having a disability are more likely to be exposed to workplace hazards. Additionally, they are more likely to face inadequate occupational health and safety (OHS) protections. “Basically, they get hit with a double whammy,” said Dr. Curtis Breslin, lead author of the study.
Published: Canadian Occupational Safety, November 2017
At Work article
Workers with disabilities report greater hazard exposure and lower protection
Research elsewhere has shown that people with disabilities have a tough time getting hired. A new study at IWH now suggests we should also worry about those who do find jobs. Learn why.
Published: November 2017