Ahead of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, celebrated annually on December 3rd, the Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work (CCRW) has released a report highlighting the measurable financial and economic advantages of hiring persons with disabilities. The report, The report, Maximizing Impact: The Return on Investing in Workplace Disability Inclusion, released this week, advocates for a more inclusive and prosperous workforce in Canada.
Despite the fact that Canadians with disabilities represent a vast, untapped talent pool, they remain significantly underemployed. According to Statistics Canada, over 740,000 working-age adults with disabilities are unemployed but eager to work, while 81% of youth with disabilities could join the workforce if provided the right accommodations.
“Canada is facing a critical labour shortage, with nearly 527,000 job vacancies as of July 2024,” said Maureen Haan, the President & CEO of CCRW. “At the same time, we’re overlooking a highly skilled, diverse talent pool. Disability inclusion isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a strategic imperative that benefits businesses and strengthens our economy.”
The Economic Case for Inclusion
Evidence shows that fostering a disability-inclusive workplace can drive significant economic growth for individual organizations and for Canada as a whole. Highlights from CCRW’s 2024 Trends Report article Maximizing Impact, released this week, include:
- Economic Growth: TD Canada found that closing the employment gap for Canadians with disabilities could create 450,000 new jobs by 2030 and add $50 billion to Canada’s GDP. According to research from the Institute for Work & Health, the total benefits of a fully inclusive Canada could yield benefits worth between $252.8 to $422.7 billion, or 13.1 to 22.0% of Canadian GDP.
- Higher Revenues: Businesses leading in disability inclusion have reported 1.6 times more revenue and 2.6 times more net income compared to their peers.
- Innovation & Market Reach: Employees with disabilities bring unique perspectives and problem-solving skills, which drive creativity, innovation, and adaptability—key factors in gaining a competitive edge.
· (more proof points can be found below or in CCRW’s latest Trend’s Report: Maximizing Impact: The Return on Investing in Workplace Disability Inclusion).
Beyond Business: A Social Imperative
Inclusive hiring practices also promote social benefits, including improved workplace culture, greater psychological safety, and increased community engagement. Harvard Business Review research shows that organizations hiring persons with disabilities report significant improvements in teamwork and workplace morale.
Where to Find Employees with Disabilities
CCRW has launched an Untapped Talent Job Board to connect employers who are confident hiring people with disabilities with an exceptional stream of job seekers.
“Investing in accessibility and inclusion doesn’t just provide a return on investment; it fosters a stronger, more equitable society,” Haan added. “This International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we encourage all employers to take a closer look at the undeniable advantages of a disability-inclusive workplace.”
