CCRW

Today is International Day of Sign Languages.🫶

In the workplace, access to sign language interpretation supports participation in interviews, meetings, training, and everyday conversations.

One detail employers can overlook: watching an interpreter and following a demonstration both require visual attention. When presenting a slide, showing a document, or demonstrating a task, pause to give participants time to look before continuing your explanation.

Ask employees what communication supports work for them, share meeting materials in advance, and allow time for interpretation and responses. These are practical ways to make workplace conversations easier to follow and contribute to.

Throughout International Week of D/deaf People, we’re sharing information to support more accessible workplaces. CCRW’s research with D/deaf and hard-of-hearing jobseekers, workers, ASL interpreters, and employers in B.C. explores workplace barriers and practices that support inclusion.

Learn more: https://buff.ly/Draox3z

International Week of D/deaf People takes place September 21–27. This year’s theme, “Declaring Deaf People’s Human Rights,” focuses on moving from recognition to concrete implementation, including access through national sign languages.

In employment, these rights include equitable access to recruitment, workplace communication, training, safety information, and opportunities for advancement.

Accessibility also means recognizing that D/deaf and Hard of Hearing employees have different communication preferences and accommodation needs.

Throughout the week, CCRW will share information and resources to help employers identify and remove workplace barriers.

CCRW President and CEO Maureen Haan and Chief Strategy Officer Debbie Irish joined Carla Qualtrough at the APEC - Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Disability Employment International Seminar in Nanjing, China.

Together with leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region, they exchanged knowledge and advanced conversations about disability inclusion and accessible employment.

We’re proud to see CCRW’s commitment to disability-confident workplaces represented on the international stage.

Workplace accommodations: What can they actually look like? 👇
 
Workplace accommodations can take many forms, from flexible scheduling and remote or hybrid work to ergonomic supports, quieter workspaces and adjusted duties.
 
The right accommodation depends on the individual and the barriers they experience. Sometimes, relatively small changes can make a workplace significantly more accessible.
 
Accommodation is about removing barriers so people can do their best work.
 

Leaders shape whether workplace inclusion is felt in everyday practice.

Yet 70% of business leaders surveyed indicated that their leaders do not receive training to address disability-related myths, misconceptions and bias.

When leaders are equipped to respond confidently, they can create better experiences across hiring, onboarding, workplace adjustments and career development.

Explore CCRW’s white paper The Disability Confidence Gap to learn more:
https://buff.ly/byv20JR

Today is International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day.

FASD affects the brain and body and may influence memory, attention, communication, emotional regulation and the ability to adapt to changing situations.

In the workplace, these differences can affect how an employee processes instructions, organizes tasks, manages time or responds to unexpected changes.

The experience, and the support required, is different for every person.

Without an understanding of FASD, behaviours such as forgetfulness, missed steps or difficulty adjusting to change may be incorrectly interpreted as disinterest or poor motivation.

Research on employment and FASD emphasizes the importance of individual job fit and responsive workplace practices. Depending on the employee, support may include predictable routines, written or visual instructions, lists and reminders, advance notice of changes, regular check-ins and specific feedback.

These practices give employers a more accurate picture of an employee’s abilities by reducing barriers that can interfere with their performance.

Source: Canada FASD Research Network, Guide for Employment Professionals: Supporting Employment in Adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

This Labour Day, we celebrate the people whose skills, contributions, and dedication have shaped workplaces across Canada, past, present, and future.

For 50 years, CCRW has worked toward a more accessible and inclusive world of work, where people with disabilities have the opportunity to contribute their talents and build meaningful careers.

Today, we celebrate workers everywhere and the progress that continues to shape the future of work.

Happy Labour Day from CCRW!

Please note that CCRW offices are closed today and will reopen tomorrow.

September is Disability Employment Month in British Columbia, a time to celebrate the skills, potential, and contributions of people with disabilities.

This month, we’re sharing Teyo’s story.

When anxiety and declining confidence made her job search difficult, Teyo turned to CCRW. With personalized coaching, interview preparation, VR training and speech therapy, she rebuilt her confidence. CCRW connected her with her current employer, and she secured the position.

“I’ve regained my voice,” Teyo shares. “Thanks to their comprehensive support, I now approach my career with confidence and purpose.”

As BC marks Disability Employment Month this September and CCRW looks ahead to NDEAM in October, Teyo’s story shows what’s possible when the right support meets real talent.

Read Teyo's full story: https://buff.ly/QzhhAmv