Students With Disabilities
Students with disabilities can access specialized career and job search support through Toronto Film School’s Career Services and in the wider community. Below you will find a non-exhaustive list of links and resources to support you no matter what stage of your career journey you may be in.
Disclosure & Accommodations at Work
‘Disclosure’ refers to the choice to make your disability known to others. If, when, what and how much to disclose during a job search or term of employment is the choice of the individual with the disability. However, you may need to open up this conversation with your employer if you require accommodations during the hiring process or on the job, if you are unable to perform functional requirements of the role or if your disability creates health and safety risks for yourself or co-workers (Source: Here to Help).
An ‘accommodation’ is an adjustment you can request so that you can fully participate at any stage of the job application process or, during employment, to help you better perform your role. Employers are mandated as having a ‘duty to accommodate’ up to the point of ‘undue hardship’ (Source: Canada.ca). When asking for an accommodation, it can help to prepare a script or write down your key points and needs ahead of time. Remember, the employer is neither entitled to information about the diagnosis nor needs a detailed history; but they will need enough information to be able to understand your needs and implement your request.
- Check out College Libraries Ontario’s webpage about deciding if and how to disclose
- Read Discoverability’s tip sheet on how to approach a conversation about disclosure and asking for accommodations
- Learn more about the ‘duty to accommodate’ at the Canadian Human Rights Commission
- Browse JAN (Job Accommodation Network), an extensive resource including suggested accommodations by disability (NB – this is a US based website, so any information about workplace rights will differ for those working in Canada)
- Attend a Lime Connect event. In addition to exclusive networking events and programs, Lime Connect also hosts regular webinars on the topic of disclosure for emerging professionals.
- Book a 1:1 appointment with a TFS Career Advisor
Your Workplace Rights
Individuals are protected against discrimination in employment on a number of grounds, including disability, under the Canadian Human Rights Act as well as individual provincial/ territorial human rights legislation. Discrimination is when an employee fears that they may face negative treatment or a withholding of a benefit/service because of their disability. This is often linked to “ableism,” a belief that devalues people with disabilities and exposes them to stereotyping, stigma, and prejudice (Source: CanadianEquality.ca).
If you feel you have been discriminated against during a job application process or at work, there are resources available to help you:
- The Human Resources department of the organization you applied to or work/ed for
- Your union representative (if applicable)
- The Canadian Human Rights Commission has detailed information on how to assess and file a complaint with the CHRC (for jobs in federal departments and organizations) or with your provincial/ territorial Human Rights Agency
- Many employment lawyers will offer an initial consultation for free and the Canadian Bar Association has a detailed list of Pro Bono resources and legal clinics across Canada and provincially/ territorially
Job Search Support in Canada
TFS Career Advisors are on hand to support you in your job search if you are a current student or have graduated in the past 6 months. Book a 1:1 appointment via our contact page.
There are many community support organizations that provide specialized job search programming, job boards and career advising to graduates and professionals with a disability. Below is a non-exhaustive list of national organizations, feel free to reach out to us for additional recommendations local to you:
- Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work
- Canadian National Institute for the Blind- Come To Work
- Canadian Hearing Services
- CASE Support Employment
- Ready Willing Able
- Specialisterne Canada
- Workplace Strategies for Mental Health
- Canada’s Best Diversity Employers
Current students can learn more about accessing academic and practicum accommodations during their studies at Yorkville and Toronto Film School by contacting the Accessibility & Academic Accommodations office at Yorkville and TFS.