Student AffairsAt Queen’s Career Services, we recognize that navigating career planning and job searches may involve unique considerations for students with disabilities.
Whether you are exploring your options, preparing for the workforce, and/or considering disclosure of disability with the intent of discussing accommodations, we are here to support you with tailored resources, inclusive guidance, and 1:1 support.
Accessibility Support: We are happy to assist with accommodations or alternate formats during your visit. Contact us at 613-533-2992 or mycareer@queensu.ca. You can also review a list of the existing accessible features available in our office.
If you are looking for additional academic supports during your time at Queen’s, we recommend connecting with
Queen’s Student Accessibility Services (QSAS)
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.
- 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
"People are better at work. People will find better versions of themselves while at work. People are determined, people can do things, people have abilities, but they just need tools to express themselves and employers who want to listen."
Yvonne Chan
PT’95, MSc’97, Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Santé Circle Health
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:
Connecting with professionals who share lived experience or have expertise in disability inclusion can help you explore options, build confidence, and access hidden job opportunities.
In addition to building community in professional fields that interest you, consider:
- Joining disability-focused student groups or organizations in your community
- Attending inclusive career fairs and networking events, such as the Queen’s Career Fairs in Fall and Winter terms
- Exploring LinkedIn groups and online communities for students and professionals with disabilities, such as Lime Connect
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.