Students with Disabilities

Further defining disability

According to the Ontario Human Rights Code “disability” is defined as:

• any degree of physical disability, infirmity, malformation or disfigurement that is caused by bodily injury, birth defect or illness and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, includes diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, a brain injury, any degree of paralysis, amputation, lack of physical co-ordination, blindness or visual impediment, deafness or hearing impediment, muteness or speech impediment, or physical reliance on a guide dog or other animal or on a wheelchair or other remedial appliance or device,
• a condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability,
• a learning disability, or a dysfunction in one or more of the processes involved in understanding or using symbols or spoken language,
• a mental disorder, or
• an injury or disability for which benefits were claimed or received under the insurance plan established under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997; (“handicap”)

Research Potential Employers and Organizations

While all employers in Canada are legally obligated to uphold non-discriminatory practices, some organizations go further by actively working to create inclusive and accessible work environments (see Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for examples).

Federally regulated organizations often have more robust policies and experience related to hiring and accommodating employees with disabilities. These include industries like:

• Air, rail, and marine transportation
• Telecommunications and broadcasting
• Banking and finance
• Federal public service and Crown corporations
• Natural resource protection (e.g., fisheries, uranium processing)

Government employers at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels are also expected to lead in inclusive hiring practices and may offer well-established accommodation processes.

As you research employers, consider looking for:

• Accessibility statements on their websites
• Employee resource groups (ERGs) or affinity groups
• Mentions of inclusion in recruitment materials
• Participation in disability-inclusive hiring initiatives or job boards

Job Boards:

• Job Bank
• Jobs Ability Canada
• Discover Ability Network
• Specialisterne

Know Your Rights and Responsibilities, and Practice Self-Advocacy

As a student or job seeker with a disability in Canada, you are protected under legislation such as:

• The Accessible Canada Act
• The Employment Equity Act
• Provincial legislation, such as the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and The Ontario Human Rights Commission 

These laws prohibit discrimination in employment based on disability and require employers to provide reasonable accommodations during the hiring process and on the job.

You have the right to:

• Request accommodations at any stage of the hiring process or employment
• Choose whether, when, and how to disclose your disability
• Expect equal opportunity in recruitment, hiring, and advancement

Self-advocacy is an essential skill in navigating your education and career journey. It involves understanding your needs, knowing your rights, and being able to effectively communicate your message.

There are many ways to practice self-advocacy with or without disclosing a disability. Our Disclosure and Accommodations Tipsheet may be a helpful tool when considering if and how you would like to share aspects of your identity, such as a disability, in a professional context.

If you are looking to explore these topics further, book a 1:1 appointment with a career coach to get tailored support.

Additional resources:

• March of Dimes Canada’s Self-Advocacy Toolkit
• Job Accommodation Network’s A-Z overview of disabilities and accommodations
• Job Search Guide for People with Disabilities

Prepare for Interviews

Interviews can raise important questions, such as whether to disclose a disability, when to request accommodations, and how to communicate your strengths confidently.

You might be wondering:

• Should I tell the employer about my disability during the interview or wait until after an offer?
• What accommodations can I request in the interview process?
• How do I frame my disability in a way that highlights my resilience and adaptability?

We can help you:

• Rehearse answers to common questions
• Develop a self-advocacy strategy that works for you
• Practice requesting accommodations confidently

Book a 1:1 mock interview or career coaching session to get started.