Nova Scotia Inclusive Employment Collaborators

Unemployment in Canada needs to be seen, at least partly, as a public health issue. Tackling this problem involves several steps. For people with disabilities, it means improving workplace accommodations and fostering a broader acceptance of disability at work. Mental health also plays a major role, requiring better recognition, support, and treatment. Additionally, preventive health measures to boost overall physical health are essential. Beyond health, we must confront societal barriers that stigmatize people with lower levels of education, disabilities, and long-term unemployment. These barriers often contribute to the “discouraged worker” phenomenon. Harmful stereotypes—like the idea that unemployed people lack skills, motivation, or effort—need to be challenged and dismantled. Addressing these issues can create a more supportive environment for those struggling to find work. Released in August of 2024, Toronto Memorial University's Ted Rogers School of Management Diversity Institute's Unemployment in Canada A Report from the Survey on Employment and Skills is an interesting read. #TorontoMemorialUniversity #TedRogersSchoolofManagement #DiversityInstiture #Employment #Unemployment #Skills Click on the link below to read the full report https://lnkd.in/e5YP_dCx

The National Standard of Canada for accessible employment document lays out a roadmap for creating workplaces that are accessible, inclusive, and free of barriers—from recruitment to retirement. Here is a brief overview of the Standard. You can read the full Standard by clicking on this link where you will also find a downloadable Word document of the Standard. https://lnkd.in/devapcKy You can also watch an ASL Video summarizing the standard by clicking on this link. https://lnkd.in/eaPiAWkd Image: The image features the technical mark for Accessibility Standards Canada and the Standards Council of Canada. The text reads: National Standard of Canada CAN/ASC-1.1:2024 – Employment. The background shows a circle of paper-cut figures holding hands. Image Source: Accessible Standards Canada Image Description: Image: The image features the technical mark for Accessibility Standards Canada and the Standards Council of Canada. The text reads National Standard of Canada CAN/ASC-1.1:2024 – Employment. The background shows a circle of paper-cut figures holding hands. #AccessibleStandardsCanada #NationalStandardOfCanada

Incredible news on International Day of Persons with Disabilities Congratulations to the 11 organizations receiving support from The Slaight Family Foundation’s $30-million Disability Initiative: #SlaightFamilyFoundation #SlaightFamilyFoundationDisabilityInitiative #HollandBloorviewKidsRehabilitationHospitalFoundation: $10.5 million. #RickHansenFoundation: $10 million. #CanadianCouncilRehabilitationAndWork: $1 million. #CanadianNationalInstituteForTheBlind: $1 million. #CanadianWomensFoundation: $1 million. #EasterSealsCanada: $1.5 million. #EmpoweredKidsOntario: $1 million. #InclusionCanada: $1 million. #MarchOfDimesCanada: $1 million. #OntarioDisabilityEmploymentNetwork: $1 million. #WavefrontCentreForCommunicationAccessibility: $1 million. This incredible donation will make a lasting difference by improving care, breaking down barriers, and reducing stigma for people with disabilities across Canada. This funding will provide vital resources and address gaps in the health-care system, ensuring children, adults, and families get the support they need. The Slaight Family Foundation’s Disability Initiative is a powerful step toward building a more inclusive Canada. #InternationalDayForPersonsWithDisabilities

For too long, decisions about our communities have been made by people far removed from the places they affect. The 2011 United Kingdom's Localism Act changed that. It gave real power back to the people and local communities—so they could decide what was best for their neighbourhoods, families, and futures.

Imagine working hard every day but being paid less just because of a disability. In a historic move, the State of Illinois is rewriting the rules with a new law that ensures workers with disabilities finally get the pay they deserve. Find out how this game-changing legislation is setting a new standard for fairness and equality in the workplace! #EqualPayForAll #DignityInWork #DisabilityRightsMatter #FairWagesNow #WorkplaceEquality #InclusionRevolution Image Source: Disability Rights California Image Description: Two small figures stand on stacks of coins, representing inequality. One figure uses a wheelchair, and the other stands upright, symbolizing wage disparity for workers. Text reads Real Work and Real Pay.

Advanced Polls Open: Time to Evaluate your Voting Accessibility Experience Voting is a cornerstone of democracy, but not everyone can access polling stations with ease. In Nova Scotia, barriers like poor lighting, unclear signage, and inaccessible voting tools still prevent some people from casting their vote independently. This raises an important question: are we doing enough to make voting truly inclusive? From better parking to innovative technology like electronic voting, there are practical steps we can take to ensure everyone, regardless of ability, can participate in elections. Let’s explore best practices for accessible voting and challenge ourselves to create a system that works for all Nova Scotians. #ElectionsNovaScotia #AccessibilityDirectorate #DisabilityPartnership #AccessibleVoting #InclusiveElections #NovaScotiaVotes #DemocracyForAll #BarrierFreeVoting #AccessibilityMatters

When planning workplace or community holiday events, aim to make them welcoming for all. Choose inclusive themes that everyone can enjoy, rather than focusing on one specific holiday. Activities that invite people to share their seasonal traditions can help build a sense of connection and community. Keep in mind that not everyone celebrates during this time of year. Some may not have holidays in their faith, while others may find this season brings mixed emotions. Inclusive events help ensure everyone feels valued and included. Image Source: Devoted Care Image: Colourful holiday symbols with Celebrate the Holidays text in centre.

Time to review you workplace celebrations. Now is the time to take action: review your workplace celebrations, involve employees in the conversation, and make changes that reflect your team’s unique diversity. Inclusive celebrations are about creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and included—no matter their background, beliefs, or abilities. By expanding traditions to reflect diversity and ensuring accessibility for all, you foster stronger connections, better teamwork, and a culture where everyone can thrive. Start today by listening, learning, and leading the way toward more inclusive and accessible celebrations. Everyone deserves to feel included. #InclusiveCelebrations #CelebrateDiversity #WorkplaceHarmony #EquityInAction #AccessibilityMatters #DiversityWins #InclusiveWorkplace #TeamUnity #RespectForAll #ThriveTogether

Want Your Holiday Events to Shine? Inclusive holiday events do more than bring people together—they create lasting connections and a sense of belonging for everyone in your community. By embracing diversity, accessibility, and inclusion, your celebrations can set the stage for how your community values and treats its members all year long. It takes effort to plan events that welcome everyone, but the rewards are priceless. Inclusive events build trust, pride, and stronger relationships while spreading joy to all. Ready to make your holiday events unforgettable? Start planning with intention and light up the season for everyone to enjoy! #InclusiveHolidays  #CelebrateTogether  #AccessibleFestivities   #DiverseJoy  #CommunityConnection  #SeasonForEveryone  

Well #GlobalDisability, you sure know how to spark a conversation! Inclusion should never be optional, and accessibility shouldn’t be an afterthought. It’s time for companies to prove that they value their employees—not through mandates, but through meaningful, flexible, and inclusive policies. #AccessibilityMatters #RemoteWork #InclusionNow #WorkplaceEquality #DisabilityRights #AmazonPolicy #InclusiveWorkplaces #FlexibilityFirst #DiversityAndInclusion #ModernWorkplace #WorkplacePolicies