Who We Are

Who We Are

Accessible Employers is a program housed within Inclusive Employment Services at Open Door Group. It supports Canadian organizations in becoming accessible, inclusive, and equitable employers by linking employers to talent, and policy to practice. Founded by business leaders and grounded in community networks, we’re an on-the-ground initiative bridging connections to tools, resources, and guidance that can support disability inclusion and accessibility in the workplace.

What We Do

We work with small to mid-sized business owners, senior business leaders, service providers, and job seekers with disabilities across Canada. We help them to navigate the accessibility and inclusion landscape, access training and resources, and connect with others on this journey.

Our hands-on approach, combined with deep expertise, ensures every member of our community receives expert guidance and personalized support.

Our services:

• Community of Accessible Employers (CAE): CAE is a growing network of BC employers dedicated to workplace inclusion. Members gain access to specialized tools, resources, training, and events focused on recruiting, hiring, and retaining employees with disabilities.
• Communities of Practice (CoP): CoP is a network of BC employers that meets quarterly and is free for CAE members to join. The group facilitates shared learning, addressing challenges and promising practices.
• Pledge to Measure: This annual pillar initiative gives Canadian organizations an easy-to-use framework to track and report on disability inclusion and workplace accessibility. Over the last five years, it has grown to include more than 100,000 employees and has received endorsements from CEOs and presidents of organizations such as BC Transit, Fairware, and BCAA.
• Training and support: We offer free online courses that help guide employers in developing accessible and inclusive workplaces.
• Resources: Our disability-inclusive employer self-assessment and digital library of free guides and tools provide education and information to help employers at any stage of their accessibility journey.

Our History

Accessible Employers was originally launched by the Presidents Group, a ministerial advisory committee of 25 change-driven BC business leaders who championed more accessible, inclusive workplaces.

Since our inception, Accessible Employers has:

• Built a growing network of hundreds of employers across Canada committed to inclusive hiring.
• Launched and grown Pledge to Measure to more than 74 employers representing 100,000 Canadian employees.
• Delivered tailored training programs, workshops, and consulting to help organizations improve their accessibility and inclusion practices.
• Developed resources and toolkits grounded in lived experience and real-world employer feedback.
• Facilitated communities of practice where employers can learn from each other, share successes, and address challenges.
• Partnered with government agencies, disability organizations, and business groups to help shape inclusive employment policies and practices.

Our Staff

Yat Li, Associate Director

Yat is an influential disability advocate, reshaping workplace culture across North America. Born with multiple disabilities, being Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Yat transformed early life challenges into a powerful message: disability does not define a person’s career path but rather an opportunity for innovation and authentic leadership.

At Open Door Group, Yat leads initiatives that bridge the gap between organizations and the untapped talent pool of professionals with disabilities. His work combines lived experience with strategic expertise to help businesses build accessible, equitable workplaces where all employees can be their authentic selves while meeting business goals.

Contact Yat: [email protected]

Micaela Evans, Accessibility & Community Engagement Manager

Micaela is a disabled professional with a focus on equitable community building and broad systems change, and a strong knowledge of accessible marketing and communications practices. Drawing on her lived experience as a person with a severe physical disability and neurodivergence, she brings unique insight and resilience to addressing the barriers that still exist for individuals with visible disabilities in the workforce.

At Open Door Group, Micaela leads the national Pledge to Measure initiative and the Community of Accessible Employers. She translates the ambitious work of Accessible Employers into tangible actions and relationships that help BC businesses embrace accessibility in all they do.

Contact Micaela: [email protected]