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Career Resources for Students with Disabilities

The Career Centre and the Accessible Learning Centre work closely together to provide services for students and alumni with disabilities at Laurier. As a member of a distinct community, you may have additional concerns while making career decisions or finding a job. Some issues you may find helpful to discuss include deciding when and if to disclose to an employer, how to research inclusive organizations and what to include when writing a resumé.

Specialized Services

  • A dedicated career consultant who focuses on meeting the needs of students and alumni with disabilities.
  • Individual appointments and tailored workshops.
  • Drop-in appointments in partnership with the Accessible Learning Centre.
  • Specific career resources for students with disabilities.
Laws prohibit discrimination in employment based on areas such as disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, age, religious affiliation, national origin and ethnic background. Know your rights in the workplace and in the hiring process.

Career and Job Search Resources

In addition to the jobs listed for Laurier students and alumni in Navigator, the following websites may be of use in conducting your job search:

Career Edge: Geared for qualified, new graduates with disabilities, offering four to 12-month internships in a variety of fields.

Disabilities Mentoring Day: This program offers an opportunity to job shadow a local employer in your field of interest.

disABLEd Person: A resource for job listings and scholarship information; includes resources around disability, disability employment, and disability regulations.

Federal Student Work Experience Program: A federal program that recruits students following Employment Equity guidelines.

Lime Connect: Open to students and alumni with any disability for scholarships, co-ops/internships and full-time opportunities with Lime’s corporate partners; includes professional development webinars and more.

Ontario JOIN: An organization that works with job searchers with disabilities and assists employers in creating an accessible workplace environment. 

Additional Job Search Websites

Workplace Accommodation and Accessibility Resources

Canadian Abilities Foundation: Includes link to Abilities magazine and information related to education and employment issues.

Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work: Provides up-to-date information and relevant articles in the disability field. 

Discover Ability Network: Join the Discover Ability Network to access various resources to help you gain and keep meaningful employment.

JAN Network: A free consulting service that provides information about accommodations (note that legislation will differ as the site is based in the U.S.).

Mental Health Works: Provides resources for managing mental health issues in the workplace.

National Educational Association of Disabled Students: NEADS is a consumer organization with a mandate to encourage the self-empowerment of postsecondary students with disabilities.

Respect Ability: Provides news, education, training, and various resources about issues people with disabilities face.

Community and Government Resources

Know Your Rights and Responsibilities

Selected Professional Associations

Canadian Association of Professionals with Disabilities: A federally incorporated non-profit organization dedicated to maximizing the inclusion, job retention and advancement of current and future professionals with disabilities.