Overcoming Barriers to Employment for People with Disabilities in Durham Region

In the Durham Region, the unemployment rate for youth with disabilities is disproportionately high. The 2020 unemployment rate for youth (ages 15-24) reached a peak of 22.6%, exacerbating the already difficult employment landscape for young people with disabilities​. Despite this, local programs and community support can help bridge the gap, ensuring more equitable employment opportunities.

Barriers to Employment

  1. Social Barriers: People with disabilities face significant societal stigma and misconceptions. Employers often have misperceptions about the costs of accommodations or assume that individuals with disabilities cannot perform certain jobs. This limits their employment opportunities.
  2. Systemic Barriers: Lack of accessible transportation, insufficient educational supports, and inadequate workplace accommodations are systemic challenges for people with disabilities in Durham. Without these supports, it is harder for them to enter and remain in the workforce.
  3. Limited Work Experience: Many youth with disabilities lack opportunities for internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level jobs. These early career experiences are crucial for building the skills needed to progress in the job market.

Addressing the Barriers

Workplace Accommodations

Workplace accommodations—such as modified work hours, adaptive technology, and ergonomic tools—help people with disabilities perform at their best. According to the report, when these accommodations are provided, employees with disabilities are more likely to thrive and remain productive. The report also highlights that 37% of employed people with disabilities aged 25-64 in Ontario require at least one accommodation to succeed at work .

Accessible Education and Job Training

Local educational institutions in Durham, such as Durham College and Ontario Tech University, have developed accessibility programs to ensure students with disabilities can achieve academic success. Businesses should build stronger connections with these institutions to facilitate smoother transitions from education to employment.

Additionally, programs like Career Studies at Durham secondary schools can offer vital skills training for students with disabilities. These programs emphasize career planning, job search strategies, and the development of employability skills, helping young people with disabilities navigate their early careers.

Employment Support Programs

Durham Region offers various employment services designed to assist people with disabilities. Employment Ontario, Abilities Centre and other organizations provide targeted support, including skills development, job matching, and employer consultations to create more inclusive workplaces. Leveraging these resources can help bridge the gap between people with disabilities and meaningful employment opportunities.

Collaborative Efforts

Employers and the community must work together to break down barriers. Employers in Durham can partner with local organizations that advocate for individuals with disabilities, such as Community Living Durham North, which offers resources for those looking to enhance inclusion within their workplaces.

Moving Forward

For Durham businesses, fostering a more inclusive workplace is a key step toward addressing the region’s employment challenges. By embracing workplace accommodations, developing partnerships with educational institutions, and participating in support programs, employers can help ensure that people with disabilities are given the opportunity to contribute to the workforce and reach their full potential.