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Finding the right opportunity that aligns with your core values and accessibility requirements may require need additional time and planning. Remember, you’re not alone in this process. The resources and suggestions in this section can support you in this journey and ensure you feel informed, prepared and confident about navigating the workforce with your disability.
Self-reflect and network
You might consider Perhaps you have multiple factors when thinking through where you might want to work!to keep in mind when job searching.
Does this sound like you?
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We’d like to affirm this! Sometimes, we have the space, time and privilege to think through where we’d like to work and other times we don’t. If you’d like to chat more, if you’d like support finding accessible work, if you’d like support preparing your application materials or if you’d like support preparing for an interview, connect with a career advisor.
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Understanding your disability |
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Maybe you suspect that you may have a disability, or you are not formally diagnosed. Do you experience any functional limitations when working? But you don’t have an accommodation plan? Consider visiting AccessAbility Services or Occupational Health to chat about what support options are available and would be a good fit for you. As well, you might find helpful resources on the Student Support Services page.
Maybe you have a non-apparent disability. Many employers are unaware that many disabilities are non-apparent or episodic and only sometimes apparent. Outsiders may struggle to understand all the barriers that folks with non-apparent disabilities will navigate. Try looking through the supports listed on this page to find what might work best for you.
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Interviewing for jobs |
Once you get invited for an Following an invitation to interview, you might want may wish to do some preparation. You may want to book an interview appointment with a career advisor or practice by writing examples of your skills with a friend. The interview allows you to share your story and connect with the hiring manager to see if this job would be a good fit for you! Some employers now openly communicate that they provide accommodations.
If you’d like to chat about possible workplace accommodations while in your co-op work term, you can send an email to co-op.accessibility@uwaterloo.ca to chat with the co-op student experience manager, accessibility. This resource is available to all work-integrated learnings students, including those in co-op and EDGE students.
The process for interview accommodations will vary at each workplace. Whether the company is a small business or a larger organization – factors like this impact what the process might look like.
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Job search stage | Once invited to the interview | During an interview |
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Potential advantages | Requesting interview accommodations based on your disability can ensure that you will be best prepared for your interview. This can be a more manageable approach to disclosing a disability since you only focus on accommodation needs for the interview. This offers a more accessible entry point to discussing a potential need for workplace accommodations during the interview. | Sharing about your disability during an interview gives you control over how you want to tell your story. You have the chance to emphasize your skills and abilities while talking about your disability with the hiring manager.  Being open with the hiring manager early on can support a good work relationship with them moving forward. Disclosing your disability story at this stage may give you a sense of relief since you will be able to be more open about your lived experience. |
Potential disadvantages | If you only need interview accommodations and not workplace accommodations, then you may need to clarify this with the employer. Some hiring managers, interviewers, organizations and companies are not familiar with talking about disabilities. They may misunderstand what you communicate about your interview accommodations. | It can be challenging to bring this up independently during an interview. Consider how you would feel most comfortable mentioning your disability as part of your story.  Once Once you disclose your disability, there’s a chance that the hiring manager may think more about your disability than other parts of your story.   Some Some hiring managers and interviewers are not familiar with talking about disabilities. They may misunderstand what you communicate about your disability or accommodations. This may mean that you will need to lead the conversation or clear up misunderstandings. |
Key considerations | Many organizations or companies are open to providing interview accommodations now, but each employer will have a different process. Reach out to the Human Resources (HR) department or hiring manager to ensure the interview is accessible for you. If you have a physical disability, ask about options for an accessible interview space in person or a remote interview online. | Talking about your disability during an interview allows you to show what a great candidate you are for the job and address any questions about your disability. The OHRC states that employers are required to provide workplace accommodations up to the point of undue hardship, but it’s still up to you to decide whether and when you’re comfortable disclosing. Practice how you will share your disability story ahead of time so that you can be prepared in the moment. |
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