The workforce underrepresentation of people with disabilities is well documented. At the same time, labour and skills shortages continue to be a challenge for employers in Nova Scotia, particularly as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.

For employers, adopting a mindset that forefronts equity, inclusion, and belonging in recruitment, retention, engagement, communication, training, and everyday workplace practices is key to building a bridge between a skilled and valuable labour pool and proven gaps in the labour market. This means moving beyond the built environment to include different ways of recruiting, communicating with, training, and engaging employees.

By the end of the 2-hour session, participants will be able to:

1. Define disability, and accessibility, and identify how these concepts apply in their workplace.
2. Identify barriers to accessibility through real-life case studies and scenarios.
3. State the purpose of Nova Scotia’s Accessibility Act and describe its impact on workplaces.
4. Explore promising practices for creating an accessible and inclusive workplace and culture:

• • Accessible communications
  • Accessible recruitment and hiring
  • Accommodations at work
  • Retaining and developing employees with disabilities

Participants will receive a toolkit of resources to accelerate accessibility in their workplace!