Course Description

This learning plan was designed to help career practitioners who support employers build more inclusive, supportive workplaces for employees with disabilities. Through five modules, the program explored foundational concepts of disability in the workplace, strategies for inclusive hiring, and the strong business case for building diverse teams. It also addressed the sensitive but important topic of disability disclosure, offering guidance from both employer and employee perspectives, and provided practical tools for implementing accommodations effectively. While created with employers in mind, this training was also valuable for any organization or group seeking to better understand disability, workplace inclusion, and the benefits of inclusive hiring. 

Competencies to be Developed (Competencies based on National Competency Profile for Career Development Professionals)

• Ethics & Regulations (2.1) Comply with legislation and regulations 
• Diversity & Inclusion (4.1) Respect diversity and inclusion 
• Diversity & Inclusion (4.2) Promote diversity and inclusion 
• Diversity & Inclusion (4.3) Advocate for client 
• Awareness of Diverse Worldviews (13.8) Work with clients living with a disability 
• Referrals to Professional Services (16.1) Maintain network of referral resources 

Learning Opportunity

At the end of this course, learners will be able to: 

• Learners will be able to describe key disability models, terminology, and legal frameworks within Canadian and Nova Scotian contexts, and apply appropriate disability language and vocabulary in professional communication and workplace scenarios. 
• Learners will analyze contemporary hiring practices through the lens of inclusion and accessibility and understand how employment centres employers can implement effective retention and development strategies for employees with disabilities. 
• Learners will understand the benefits of inclusive hiring by assessing the socioeconomic and organizational advantages of employing people with disabilities, and challenge common myths and misconceptions using evidence-based reasoning. 
• Learners will understand how to assess the risks, benefits, and procedures of disability disclosure in the workplace from both employee and employer perspectives, and identify the rights and responsibilities involved in supporting disclosure and accommodations. 
• Learners will understand how to use workplace tools and practices, such as an accommodation agreement template, that enhance accessibility and foster an inclusive environment for employees with disabilities. 

Course Structure

This course is self-paced and can be completed in 3 hours. A certificate is available upon completion.