By Brandy Duchesne
The employment landscape has changed dramatically, and within a relatively short period of time.
Since the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic, alongside technological progression, and changing infrastructural and workforce demands – the world has met with much change – and amplified challenges.
Hours of work, work roles, employee availability expectations, access to training and development – are among a deluge of concerns, and points for consideration, in today’s employment picture.
Additionally, with the implementation of tariffs, viable employment options are increasingly scarce.
And the employment challenge is ever more complex for individuals with disabilities.
Facing of Adversity, and Additional Roadblocks
Job seekers with disabilities are increasingly positioned on the periphery of employment opportunities.
Workday hours, transportation, physical accommodations, and attitudinal barriers are among the concerns of individuals and potential employees with disabilities.
Individuals with disabilities are often excluded from performing the duties required for certain types of jobs, given their physical or other challenges.
And so often, potential employers will make it clear that “the duties required for the work role(s) cannot be modified…”
What do all of these factors mean for an induvial with a disability, in the face of these challenges, when the already limited scope of their employment picture is dismal?
Searching for Viable and Progressive Employment
I have been out of the workforce now for over three years.
My child has a chronic health issue(s). I am her primary support person.
Now that my child’s condition has stabilized, I have restarted my job search – with every intention and determination to return to the workforce.
Not unlike so many job seekers, finding a suitable job posting to apply for seems an insurmountable task.
In resuming my employment search, I’ve been reflecting upon past employment searches, and my work experiences.
Alongside the nerve-wracking, and so often disheartening, interview process.
I have experienced a myriad of scenarios in my job search journey(ies) over the years – scenarios that often have left me confused, disappointed and – a few times – speechless.
I know that I am not alone in these experiences.
When employment support staff “don’t know what to do with you”, they might recommend an individual connect with a disability organization, “as they may have job postings”.
A workplace interviewer might suggest that one should return to school, for further, and “more relevant” education.
Even as they are reviewing one’s resume – and realizing that the potential candidate has successfully completed both a college diploma, and a university degree – with numerous courses successfully completed, in between.
And understanding that this extensive education is partnered with a notable employment history – demonstrative of a quick study, and a keen, continuous learner – with a desire to work.
An employment support staff might suggest that volunteer work is a “more viable” option – even as they clearly understand that the individual is in search of a paid employment opportunity.
I once experienced an instance where, when I applied for a job, the potential employer called my home, and asked me “…why would an intelligent, well-educated, clearly overqualified person like yourself, want to work in a job like this?”
When the economy challenges us, we often will apply for jobs that we may be overqualified for.
Would this individual have singled out an ablebodied person in this way?
Would this potential employer have understood that a job seeker with a disability was interested in said opportunity – just as other applicants, regardless of whether or not they were ablebodied, or living with a disability?
Would the potential employer welcome a candidate with a disability into their work environment – where the individual would embrace and excel in a long term employment opportunity – together with a possibility of growing professionally, within the business or organization?
Individuals with disabilities often feel sidelined, within their workplace environment(s).
The goal, the desire, and the drive is often simply – that one could be a part of a progressive work environment, where their skills were being utilized and recognized.
A work environment in which their contributions are demonstrably acknowledged, and proactively communicated among their co-workers.
A work environment they are truly valued, and genuinely included – regardless of their position within the business or organization.
The Employment Search Can Be Arduous. Persevere
My challenges in finding employment will not diminish my determination to find viable, challenging and progressive employment opportunities.
In sharing experiences, my objective is not to come down on or take sides with one group or another.
Nor is it to ignore the concerns of employers themselves, nor others within their work environment(s).
And I would never intend to dismiss the reality that finding work is a challenge for every job seeker – whether one is ablebodied, or living with a disability.
Continued and proactive awareness of what is happening in the workforce will empower individual job seekers – alongside their efforts, challenges and successes.
Issues concerning employment for individuals with disabilities – and others – must be revealed, communicated, and addressed, from all perspectives.
Beginning the discussion will encourage more extensive and ongoing dialogue and viewpoints from all stakeholders – and proactive steps.
A stronger economy, to include stronger, more cohesive communities – is something that we are all responsible for.
And by working together to uncover and/or create opportunities for viable, progressive and sustainable employment, we can strengthen our communities – and, in turn, one another….regardless of (dis)abilities.
Sources
https://accessible.canada.ca/centre-of-expertise/employment. Government of Canada. “Employment”. September 26, 2025.
https://www.ontario.ca/page/hire-people-disabilities. “Hire People with Disabilities. ” September 26, 2025
https://www.chrc-ccdp.gc.ca/sites/default/files/publication-pdfs/ottawaiti7-2565385-v7-report_on_employment_and_persons_with_disabilitie_final-s.pdf Roadblocks on the career path: Challenges faced by persons with disabilities in employment. Canadian Human Rights Commission. September 26, 2025
https://smith.queensu.ca/insight/content/Why-Dont-We-Hire-People-With-Disabilities.php “Why Don’t We Hire People with Disabilities?’ by Angela Kryhul | Nov 14, 2026 .Queen’s University Smith School of Business. September 26, 2025.
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