The Employment Challenge, And Individuals with Disabilities

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 much change – and amplified challenges.

Hours of work, work-role expectations, employee availability, access to training and development - are among a deluge of concerns, and points for consideration, in today’s employment picture.

Additionally, with the enforcement and implementation of tariffs, viable employment options are increasingly scarce.

And the employment challenge is ever more complex for individuals with disabilities.

Facing 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 worries 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, relating to their disabilities or conditions.

And so often, potential employers will make it clear that “the duties required for the work role(s) cannot be modified…”

And 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’ve been out of the workforce now for over three years.

My child has a chronic health issue(s). I was her primary support person.

My child’s condition has stabilized - and she is now an adult, and able to oversee her healthcare responsibilities.

And so, 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 over the years - scenarios that often have left me confused, disappointed and – a few times – speechless.

And I know I am not alone in these experiences.

When employment support staff “don’t know what to do with you”, they might recommend an induvial connect with a disability organization, “as they may have job postings”.

A workplace interviewer might suggest that one might 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 courses taken 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 as 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 over-qualified 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.

I wondered: Would this individual have singled out an able-bodied person in this way?

Would this potential employer have understood that the jobseeker with a disability was interested in said opportunity - just as other applicants, regardless of whether or not they were able-bodied, or living with a disability…?

Would the potential employer welcome a candidate with a disability into their company - 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 the work environment where their skills were being utilized and recognized – and that their contributions were genuinely and demonstrably acknowledged and shared among their co-workers.

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 takes 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 able-bodied, or living with a disability.

Continued, and proactive awareness of what is happening in the workforce, will only empower individual jobseekers - and their efforts, challenges and successes.

The 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”. April 8, 2026.

https://www.ontario.ca/page/hire-people-disabilities. “Hire People with Disabilities”. April 8, 2026.

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. April 8, 2026. 

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. April 8, 2026.