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Stories & Case Studies

We know that while many employers understand the business value of hiring people with disabilities, it’s hard to find the right information and resources to help. For us, what was missing was up-to-date, practical, and easy-to-use advice – created by employers for employers – about how to effectively recruit, hire and retain employees with disabilities. We also know these tools have to work for both small and large businesses.

Take a deep dive with employers as they share their experiences with rolling out accessibility initiatives within their organizations – what worked, challenges faced, and lessons learned.

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Stories & Case Studies Suggested For You

  • Adapting the Workplace

  • Image of various accessibility symbols
    Port Of Vancouver and British Columbia Lottery Corporation

    Conducting a Physical Workplace Assessment

    The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and BCLC initiated physical audits in their workplaces to increase accessibility.

  • Co-op Programs & Internships

  • Featured image for Elyse’s Story: Project Support Intern at Service BC
    Presidents Group

    Elyse’s Story: Project Support Intern at Service BC

    Elyse Henderson was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) when she was eight years old. She is currently working at Service BC in the role of Project Support.

  • Photo of female employee working at her desk on a laptop
    Presidents Group

    Work-Able: Graduate Internship Program

    Work-Able is a 12-month paid internship program with the BC Public Service for recent post-secondary graduates who self-identify as having a disability.

  • Photo of police officers talking to each other while standing in the yard of the Port of Vancouver
    Port Of Vancouver

    Accessibility Internship Program Changes Perceptions of Ability

    The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority’s Accessibility Internship Program offers one individual with disabilities an opportunity to develop work experience while meeting a pertinent business need.

  • Photo of a long, curvy hallway at YVR Airport.
    Vancouver Airport Authority

    Co-op Student Program leads to Permanent Hire

    The Co-op student outreach program allowed YVR to shift internal and external perceptions of ability, meet a business need, and tap into a traditionally under-utilized segment of job seekers.

  • Photo of the exterior of an HSBC location
    HSBC

    Diversity Internship Program

    The Diversity Internship Program was designed to address a gap HSBC had in their workforce, based on the available labour market associated with persons with disabilities and Indigenous people.

  • Picture of the top of the Vancity Head Office in Vancouver.
    Vancity

    Success in Creating a High School Internship Program

    Vancity partnered with the Vancouver School Board on a project focused on creating inclusive opportunities for high school students with diverse-abilities.

  • Photo of Vancity employee helping a member from behind her desk.
    Vancity

    Internship for High-School Students With Disabilities

    Vancity implemented a High School Student Internship Program for students with disabilities to obtain work experience while meeting Vancity’s business needs.

  • Steven Woo walking with friends and his assistance dog, Horatio
    Vancouver Airport Authority

    Steven's Story: Co-op Leads to Full-Time Employment

    Working with the Disability Resource Centres at various post-secondary partner institutions, YVR explicitly encouraged co-op applicants with disabilities to apply and voluntarily self-declare.

  • Organizational Culture

  • Apple Vancouver Managers & Directors stand together as a group for a Plenty of Plates team-building evening.
    Save On Meats

    Plenty of Plates Program Serves Up a New Way to Approach Inclusive Team-Building

    Save On Meats’ Plenty of Plates Program is a meaningful team-building experience that provides the opportunity for community partners to run the Save On Meats diner, cooking and serving a 3-course meal to individuals who rarely, if ever, get a sit-down restaurant experience.

  • Featured image for Developing an Employee Engagement Survey for Small Business
    Tacofino

    Developing an Employee Engagement Survey for Small Business

    Strategies for small businesses to efficiently and effectively roll out an employee engagement survey.

  • Woman writing in a book with a upward trending graph and ICBC's logo
    Insurance Corporation British Columbia

    Measuring Progress on Diversity and Inclusion

    ICBC’s vision is to be the leader in Diversity & Inclusion in the public sector by 2020. ICBC is tracking their progress to understand their strengths and areas of opportunity.

  • Man is presenting at the front of a room with coworkers sitting in chairs looking up at him.
    Presidents Group

    Diversity & Inclusion Lunch and Learns

    Pacific Blue Cross’ “Lunch ‘n Learn” sessions allow employees to discuss a variety of diversity topics, including: Unconscious Bias, Inclusive Language and Ableist Language.

  • BCAA Staff with there hands together in a circle, cheering.
    British Columbia Automobile Association

    Creating a Diversity and Inclusion Program

    BCAA formalized their Diversity and Inclusion Program to focus on creating intentional strategies, measuring progress, and attracting and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce.

  • Table with a 2018 calendar on it and post-it notes that say goal, plan, strategy, success.
    Destination BC

    Creating a Human Resources Strategy that Incorporates Diversity & Inclusion

    Destination BC developed an HR strategy that highlights how diversity and inclusion are fundamental to building employee engagement, developing and recruiting talent, and supporting all employees.

  • Picture of the outside of the Pacific Blue Cross Headquarters in Burnaby, BC.
    Pacific Blue Cross

    Creating a Diversity and Inclusion Team

    Pacific Blue Cross created a new Diversity Team, who will set the standard for their colleagues, constantly thinking of new and innovative ways their staff can be more inclusive.

  • Picture of a Key Lime Pie from Gabi & Jules Bakery
    Gabi & Jules

    Neurodiversity Helped This Small Business Thrive

    Gabi & Jules bakery strives to offer employment opportunities to individuals on the autism spectrum.

  • BCLC staff member has his hand up while seated at a table talking
    British Columbia Lottery Corporation

    Creating a Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

    BCLC’s board and executive team created a diversity and inclusion statement to demonstrate their commitment.

  • Employee Supports & Accommodations

  • Erma, Megan and Maxwell stand in the stock room at London Drugs
    Presidents Group

    Maxwell & Megan’s Story: Mentorship Makes a Big Difference

    Maxwell and Megan both started at London Drugs in 2017 as Customer Service Associates. Through the support of a colleague who has mentored them, they not only feel accomplished in their roles, but a part of the London Drugs family.

  • Amanda sits at her desk in her wheelchair. She is turned facing the camera and smiling.
    EY

    Amanda’s Story: Determination Leads to a Career in Accounting

    Amanda acquired a disability as an adult, and now uses a wheelchair. Re-learning how to live life has sharpened her skills in innovation and problem solving. Through this, she discovered she had skills in accounting and analysis, which led her to her current job at EY.

  • Byron sits in his wheelchair, on a grass field in front of an old building.
    Vancouver Airport Authority

    Byron’s Story: Paralympian and YVR Employee

    Byron Green joined the Vancouver Airport Authority (YVR) in 2016. He currently works part time (five days a week, four hours a day) and trains as a Paralympian at the Richmond Olympic Oval. His experience in team sports has proven to be an asset both on the court and in the office.

  • Dan stands behind a desk with a fellow employee. They are smiling at each other.
    British Columbia Automobile Association

    Mental Health Campaign Brings Awareness

    BCAA launched its first employee mental health awareness campaign to demonstrate its commitment to supporting employees who might experience challenges with mental illnesses.

  • A calendar sits on top of a laptop with a sticky note that reads 'return to work' with a pencil underneath it.
    Vancouver Airport Authority

    YVR’s Return to Work Program

    The Vancouver International Airport (YVR) has seen many benefits to a successful return to work program including: retaining experienced workers, engaged employees, better productivity, and reduced costs.

  • Nicolas Haddad stands in his office near a desk.
    HSBC

    Nicolas' Story: Business Analyst at HSBC

    Nicolas Haddad is a Business Analyst with HSBC in the Transformation Department. He is bi-lateral above the knee, and is a left arm amputee. The accommodations Nicolas needs are minimal, but contribute to his success in the role.

  • Scrabble blocks spelling out the words Mental Health
    Vancity

    Making Mental Health Awareness A Priority in the Workplace

    Vancity embarked on a number of initiatives surrounding mental health to help build their employees understanding of the issue.

  • Mike Ferguson standing in work yard with safety gear on.
    BC Hydro

    Mike's Story: Cost Sharing Addiction Recovery Program & Back to Work Supports

    BC Hydro supports employees who are experiencing physical or mental challenges. An example of this is through their Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Program and Back to Work Supports.

  • Employees sit together at a table, writing in a notebook
    EY

    A Network of Employees Focused on Mental Health Awareness

    EY’s employees have created a network focused on mental health awareness. This group aims to provide employees with information on and support for coping with mental health challenges and stress.

  • Photo of two BC Hydro employees smiling and laughing.
    BC Hydro

    Supporting Employees with Addiction through Cost-Sharing Recovery Program

    BC Hydro’s Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Program supports employees through cost-sharing, and implementing supports to ensure a successful transition back to work.

  • Photo of ICBC Building from the outside.
    Insurance Corporation British Columbia

    Employee Resource Group Builds Awareness and Provides Connection and Support

    ICBC’s Employee Resource Group raises awareness about the various forms of disability: visible and invisible, physical and mental, and provides those living with a disability a way to connect with each other.

  • Hiring

  • Siobhan Doyle smiles while standing in an office setting.
    Presidents Group

    Meet Siobhan: Former Participant to Part-Time Employee

    Siobhan Doyle is one of two young adults with autism who works part-time in the Canucks Autism Network (CAN) office. As a former CAN participant, she wanted to give back to the organization that had helped her, and in turn, she has become an incredible asset to the team.

  • Calvin and his manager stand beside each other outside of on ICBC location.
    Insurance Corporation British Columbia

    Calvin’s Story: Amended Interview Process Leads to Successful Hire

    Through the support of a disability employment service organization, Calvin now works in Claims Support with ICBC and is contributing to the success of his team.

  • Canucks Autism Network goalie coach Sylvain Formo on the ice with the Vancouver Orcas adapted hockey team
    Presidents Group

    Former Goalie Finds Calling Coaching Children and Youth with Autism

    Sylvain Formo has progressed from participant to volunteer to staff at the Canucks Autism Network. Recognizing the need for his unique background and expertise, CAN hired Sylvain as their goalie coach.

  • Luke stocking shelves at London Drugs
    Presidents Group

    Luke’s Story: Customer Service Associate, London Drugs

    Having struggled in obtaining employment, Luke connected with the YMCA’s employment supports program. They connected him to London Drugs – which became his first job at the age of 30.

  • Jori and Rachael re-stock shelves in Aisle 1 of London Drugs
    Presidents Group

    London Drugs makes Inclusive Hiring a Priority

    Rachael, Corrine and Jori are all team members at London Drugs. Their stories are examples of how having a diverse workforce is beneficial for the organization, the team, and the individual employee.

  • Tyler and Pauline stand in the produce section of the Hope, BC Buy-Low Foods.
    Buy-Low Foods

    Tyler Secures a Job That Utilizes His Customer Service Skills

    Tyler, through the support of the Chilliwack Society for Community Living (CSCL), was matched with a Vocational Counsellor who worked with him to secure a job at Buy-Low Foods.

  • Featured image for 5 Tips To Recruit & Retain Staff Inclusively
    Tacofino

    5 Tips To Recruit & Retain Staff Inclusively

    Tacofino shares their five tips on how to create an inclusive and accessible small business.

  • Brad and Randy stand against a wall inside of Save On Meats, both smiling.
    Save On Meats

    Employment Opportunity Opens New Doors on the Downtown Eastside

    Save On Meats with the support of Open Door Group have been able to provide meaningful job opportunities to Brad and Randy who used to live in poverty and previously faced barriers to employment.

  • Arnold sits at his desk, looking back at the camera in his wheelchair while video editing software can be seen on his computer monitor.
    Presidents Group

    Arnold’s Story: Junior Corporate Video Editor

    Arnold Cheng went to UBC and received a BA in English Literature. He later acquired a disability that required him to use a wheelchair. Arnold’s experience in looking for employment after acquiring a disability, changed dramatically.

  • IT Professional at computer with a bunch of code on the wall behind him.
    Vancity

    Contracting Neurodiverse IT Professionals for System Conversion

    Vancity’s large scale system conversion required significant resources across the organization. Vancity worked with Focus Professional Services to contract individuals specialized in IT to support this work.

  • Photo of SAP employee looking at computer code on his monitors
    SAP Labs Canada

    Autism at Work Program Provides Meaningful Employment

    The Autism at Work program began as a weekend project in Bangalore, India five years ago. The success of this project led to a company-wide goal of hiring 650 employees on the autism spectrum by 2020.

  • Picture of Patricia Elgersma smiling near her computer.
    HSBC

    Patricia's Story: Project Manager in Compliance

    Patricia Elgersma started with the organization as an intern in the Human Resources department and has transitioned to a Project Manager role in Compliance.

  • Picture of Renu Sangha smiling.
    HSBC

    Renu's Story: Business Analyst in Transformation

    Renu Sangha is as a Business Analyst in the Transformation group at HSBC. Renu is deaf and uses sign language to communicate, she also utilizes an interpreter when needed.

  • Patrick Gallagher and Maridel Deguzman sitting at their desks talking and laughing.
    Vancity

    How Job Carving Can Support Your Business Needs

    Vancity implemented a project at 22 Vancity branches that involved job carving, a process that “carves out” existing responsibilities from other positions to create a new one.

  • SAP legal compliance analyst Matthew Huang sitting on a seat. Next to him is a small table with glasses on it.
    SAP Labs Canada

    Ground-Breaking Program Integrates People with Autism into the Workforce

    SAP has met their goal with 13 Autism at Work program participants working in the Vancouver office after their fourth wave of hiring in May 2017.

  • Photo of Vancity Employee at a desk, smiling at a Vancity client who appears to have vision loss.
    Vancity

    An Alternative to Behavioural-Based Interviews

    Vancity has piloted working interviews as an alternative to behavioural-based interviews to better assess a candidate’s suitability for the job.

  • Photo of a woman in a power wheelchair talking to a man with a cane in the lobby of Vancity Head Office.
    Vancity

    Workplace Inclusion Pilot Fulfills Branch Needs with Neurodiverse Employees

    Vancity wanted to focus their branch staff on customer care. To support this, they hired neurodiverse individuals, many of them on the autism spectrum, to be responsible for providing administrative relief.

  • Procurement

  • Female hands holding a tablet that reads 'Procurement' with other related words surrounding it in a word cloud.
    Vancouver Airport Authority

    Procurement Strategy that Integrates Diversity & Inclusion

    YVR developed a procurement strategy that aligns with their organizational values of diversity and inclusion by giving preference to vendors who practice corporate social responsibility in a variety of areas including accessibility.

  • Training

  • Silhouette of people in business attire standing in a boardroom
    Vancouver Airport Authority

    Unconscious Bias Training For Managers

    The Vancouver Airport Authority (YVR) delivered Unconscious Bias training for their managers and senior leaders and learned a great deal throughout the process.

  • Work colleagues sit at a group table with laptops open, looking at a presenter
    Vancity

    Unconscious Bias Training for All Staff

    Vancity rolled out unconscious bias training for all staff. The training was specifically aimed at creating awareness of the presence of unconscious bias when making people and business decisions, and how to mitigate these biases.

  • Silhouette of employee standing in front of a flipchart with 'mental health' written on it
    BC Hydro

    Supporting Managers with Mental Health Training

    BC Hydro is ensuring that their leaders understand the role they play in creating a psychologically healthy working environment. They have made the decision to provide training to their managers around mental health and supports in the workplace.

  • Articles and Templates

  • Featured image for Template Article: Retention
    Destination BC

    Template Article: Retention

    Use this article that highlights tips on how to retain employees with disabilities.

  • Featured image for Template Article: Recruitment
    Destination BC

    Template Article: Recruitment

    Use this article that highlights recruitment tips for hiring people with disabilities.

  • Featured image for Template Article: Team Readiness
    Destination BC

    Template Article: Team Readiness

    Use this article to get your team behind an inclusive hiring strategy.

  • Featured image for Template Article: The Business Case
    Destination BC

    Template Article: The Business Case

    Use this article to illustrate the business case for hiring people with disabilities.

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