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Overview |
Do you have a disability? Are you trying to figure out how to balance your accessibility needs while working, searching for work or planning your career?
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Finding the right opportunity that aligns with your core values and accessibility requirements may 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
Perhaps you have multiple factors to keep in mind when job searching.
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Understanding your disability |
Remember, you are the expert of your own lived experience! You understand better than anyone what your disability means for you and what you bring to any employment opportunity. Take some time to reflect on what this means for you and if/how a disability has shaped your skillset or value assessment of yourself. Think about what you need to feel your best self at work. For example:
What options exist to support employees with disabilities?
How are employee well-being and retention supported? What support does the employer offer to employees who need to take a leave of absence? Is the process accessible/manageable for you?
What is the employee extended health and wellness benefits package?
Understanding your accommodation needs
It can help to consider what the employer may not be aware of regarding disabilities. This is often where you will need to focus when requesting adjustments or accommodations.
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Are you within proximity to your support system(s)? If not, are there options to manage that?
How affordable is housing?
How easily can you get to and from work? How accessible is the commute?
Connecting with others
Engaging with others can also help you gain a more transparent perspective of a potential employer.
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Applying for jobs |
Thinking about whether you want to disclose information about your disability or disabilities at the application or interview stage can be complex. Always remember that you have a choice.
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A career advisor can support you by chatting about how you may want to talk about your employment accommodations.
Co-op accessibility works with students within co-op and EDGE to explore potential student employment accommodations. Possible employment accommodations would be achieved based on student accessibility needs and employer input. Students in co-op and EDGE may also consider reaching out to the co-op student experience manager (accessibility) at co-op.accessibility@uwaterloo.ca for support with engaging in the employment accommodation process.
If you are a current student looking for support and you have a disability, you can register with AccessAbility Services (AAS), which will connect you with an accommodation consultant. Once you are registered, the accommodation consultant can assist with requesting academic accommodations and possibly employment accommodations.
If you are an employee at the university (working with the university), then you could chat with Occupational Health about different ways to talk about your disability.
If you’ve received academic accommodations before, you might reflect on what was helpful and whether it can transfer to a workplace setting. The following are resources that can help if you’re in this situation:
Academic Accommodations Translated into Employment Settings – University of Guelph Resource
Job Accommodation Network (JAN) – A to Z of Disabilities and Accommodations
Job Seekers Guide For Students and Graduates with Disabilities – Understanding your Accommodation Needs – Carleton University Resource
Preparing your application
When applying to jobs, share your strengths, achievements and relevant experience in your résumé and cover letter.
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Interviewing for jobs |
Following an invitation to interview, you 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.
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Navigating the job |
Starting a new job is always an adjustment and learning period. Reflecting on your needs can be helpful, and these can maybe change over time. If you chose not to disclose your disability during the job application and interview process but are finding you may need accommodations to do your work, you may choose to make this request once starting the job. Here are some key things to keep in mind:
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Additional resources |
On campus:
- Counselling Services - This resource is a great option for UW students if you are looking for support to manage stress or mental health concerns.
- Health Services - You might want to access this option if you need health related support for your disability.
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