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Finding a Job as a Person with Disabilities in the USA, Canada and South America

Published on: 25 Oct 2024

USA

If you have a disability and are looking for a job in USA, there are opportunities for you to enter the workforce. However, there are some barriers you might face and support systems available to help. Here’s what you need to know:

Barriers You Might Face

  • Employment Gap: People with disabilities often face higher unemployment rates. In 2023, the employment rate for working-age people with disabilities was only 37.2%, significantly lower than the rate for those without disabilities. This shows a clear employment gap.
  • Discrimination and Accessibility Issues: Despite laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), some employers may not fully accommodate disabilities or may have inaccessible work environments. Bias, either conscious or unconscious, can also affect hiring decisions.
  • Lack of Job Flexibility: Many jobs do not offer the necessary flexibility in working hours, work location (like remote work), or adjustments to workspaces, making it difficult for people with disabilities to thrive.

Government Support Available

There are various programs and services designed to help people with disabilities enter and stay in the workforce:

  • Ticket to Work Program: This program is designed for Social Security disability recipients between ages 18 and 64. It offers free training, job search assistance, and career counseling while still allowing you to receive benefits during the transition to work.
  • Vocational Rehabilitation Services: Every state has vocational rehabilitation agencies that help people with disabilities prepare for and find jobs. They offer services like job coaching, resume building, and assistance with workplace accommodations.
  • Job Accommodation Network (JAN): JAN provides guidance on workplace accommodations and helps you understand your rights. They can advise you on how to request the necessary accommodations from an employer.
  • USAJOBS Selective Placement Program: If you’re interested in working for the federal government, USAJOBS provides resources to help you apply through the Selective Placement Program, which prioritizes hiring people with disabilities.
  • AbilityOne Program: If you’re blind or have significant disabilities, the AbilityOne program connects you to jobs in non-profit organizations that partner with the federal government.

Practical Tips for Finding a Job

  • Set up Job Alerts on Evenbreak: Set up job alerts so you can be informed when your ideal jobs are advertized.
  • Leverage Government Resources: Check out CareerOneStop and state vocational rehabilitation agencies. They can help you with job searches, resume writing, and interview skills.
  • Know Your Rights: The ADA protects you against discrimination. If you feel your rights are being violated, reach out to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
  • Seek Accommodations: Don’t hesitate to ask for reasonable accommodations during the application process or once you’ve started a job. JAN is a great resource for understanding what accommodations are possible.
  • Network: Use professional networks and disability advocacy organizations to connect with potential employers who are actively looking to hire people with disabilities.
  • Local support: Find our article listing local support organizations

By using these resources and understanding your rights, you can overcome the challenges and find fulfilling employment. The government is actively working to improve job opportunities for people with disabilities, so you’re not alone in this journey.

Canada

If you’re a person with disabilities looking for a job in Canada, you may face specific challenges. However, there are numerous programs and resources designed to support you in finding meaningful employment. Here’s what you need to know:

Barriers You Might Face

  • Employment Gap: People with disabilities in Canada experience significantly lower employment rates than those without disabilities. Only 59% of working-age individuals with disabilities are employed compared to 80% of those without​ (Canada.ca).

  • Workplace Accessibility Issues: Many workplaces are not fully accessible. This could mean a lack of physical access (e.g., no ramps or accessible washrooms), or digital barriers such as software that isn’t compatible with assistive technologies like screen readers.

  • Discrimination and Bias: Discrimination or unconscious bias can still exist among employers, making it harder for people with disabilities to get hired or promoted. Some employers may also be unaware of how to accommodate specific disabilities.

  • Job Flexibility: You may find that not all jobs offer the necessary flexibility, such as the option to work remotely or have adapted work hours, which are often needed for managing health or mobility issues.

Government Support Available

Luckily, Canada has several programs to support job seekers with disabilities.

  • Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities: This federal program helps people with disabilities gain skills and find jobs. The government has invested $191 million in 2023 to help individuals through career counseling, skills training, and wage subsidies for employers who hire people with disabilities​ (Canada.ca).

  • Canada Disability Benefit: Set to roll out in 2025, the Canada Disability Benefit will provide financial support to low-income individuals with disabilities. While primarily a financial benefit, this support can ease some of the economic pressures while you’re searching for work ​(Resolute Legal Disability Lawyers).

  • Workplace Accessibility Program: This program provides funding to businesses to make their workplaces more accessible. This could include physical modifications, technology upgrades, or training on disability awareness for staff.

  • Vocational Rehabilitation Services: Provincial programs offer personalized support for individuals with disabilities, helping with job searches, interview preparation, and accessing workplace accommodations. These services vary by province but are widely available across the country.

Practical Job Search Tips

  • Set up Job Alerts on Evenbreak: Set up job alerts so you can be informed when your ideal jobs are advertized.

  • Leverage Available Resources: Government job search websites like Job Bank have disability-specific services, including accessible job postings and support for employers to create inclusive workplaces.

  • Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) (or its equivalents in other provinces), which protect your right to accommodations in the workplace.

  • Network: Disability organizations like the Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work (CCRW) offer networking opportunities with employers committed to diversity and inclusion.

  • Request Accommodations: Don’t hesitate to ask for reasonable workplace accommodations that will help you perform your best. This could include modified hours, ergonomic equipment, or assistive technology.

  • Local support: Find our article listing local support organizations

By understanding the challenges and utilizing available support, you can increase your chances of finding a job that fits your needs and skills. There is a growing commitment in Canada to improving employment opportunities for people with disabilities, so you have resources to back you up on your job search journey.

South America

If you’re a person with a disability looking for mainstream employment in South America, there are many challenges and opportunities to be aware of. While government policies aim to support inclusion, barriers still exist, but there are resources and programs that can help.

Key Barriers You Might Face

  • Discrimination in the Workplace: Although anti-discrimination laws exist in many South American countries, biases about people with disabilities can still affect hiring practices. Employers may be hesitant to hire due to misconceptions or fears about productivity and accommodation costs.

  • Accessibility Challenges: Physical and digital infrastructure can be lacking, making it difficult to access workspaces or online job portals. This is particularly true in rural areas, where fewer resources are available for accessible transportation or adaptive technologies.

  • Education and Skill Gaps: Access to quality education and training for people with disabilities is uneven across South America. As a result, many people may find they do not have the skills employers are looking for, which can limit job opportunities.

  • Informal Employment: Many economies in South America rely heavily on informal employment sectors, where legal protections and benefits may not be as robust. This can make it harder to secure long-term, stable employment with fair wages.

Government Support and Resources

  • Employment Quotas: Several countries in South America, including Brazil, Argentina, and Ecuador, have employment quota systems that require companies to hire a certain percentage of people with disabilities. While these quotas help increase opportunities, enforcement is inconsistent, and not all employers comply fully. Additionally, some critics argue that quotas can reinforce stigmas, as they may lead to token hires rather than meaningful inclusion.

  • Anti-Discrimination Laws: Countries like Brazil and Chile have anti-discrimination laws that protect people with disabilities from being denied employment based solely on their disability. However, these laws are sometimes misinterpreted or under-enforced, which means you may still face challenges in finding a job without facing bias.

  • Social Programs and Financial Aid: Governments across South America offer financial support for people with disabilities. For example, Brazil has programs such as “Benefício de Prestação Continuada” (BPC), which provides financial aid to those who cannot find work. Other countries, like Argentina, offer vocational training programs to help people with disabilities gain new skills and find employment.

  • Nonprofit and International Support: Many NGOs and international organizations provide employment assistance and advocacy. The World Bank and Handicap International have emphasized the importance of inclusive employment strategies. These organizations work with local governments to push for better policies and provide practical help, such as job training and resources for small businesses to make workplaces more accessible.

Tips for Finding a Job

  • Set up Job Alerts on Evenbreak: Set up job alerts so you can be informed when your ideal jobs are advertized.

  • Look for inclusive companies: Seek out employers who have a proven track record of inclusive hiring practices, for example on Evenbreak. Many larger corporations and international companies in South America are starting to prioritize diversity and inclusion.

  • Leverage government programs: Research local job training and placement programs designed for people with disabilities. These programs often work directly with companies to help you find suitable roles.

  • Advocate for your rights: Knowing your legal rights is crucial. If you face discrimination or other barriers, consider reaching out to disability advocacy groups in your country. They can offer guidance on how to challenge unfair treatment.

  • Be proactive about accommodations: Don’t be afraid to ask for reasonable accommodations during the hiring process or once you’re in a job. Whether it’s flexible hours or specialized equipment, many employers are legally required to provide what you need to succeed.

  • Local support: Find our article listing local support organizations

While South America has made progress in reducing the employment gap for people with disabilities, significant challenges remain. By using available resources and advocating for your rights, you can increase your chances of finding a fulfilling and sustainable job.

Sources:

  • World Bank Report on Disability Inclusion ​(World Bank)
  • Handicap International’s study on labor market challenges for people with disabilities ​(Humanitarian International).