December 3 is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities
December 3 is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. It was first proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1992. This day raises awareness of the challenges people with disabilities face and increases understanding of issues around disability and accommodations. The ultimate goal being to encourage support, both structural and personal, for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.
In the workplace, people with disabilities are more likely to encounter barriers to both productivity and job satisfaction. These barriers can be physical, but they can also come in the form of stigma, fear and prejudice from co-workers and managers alike. Accommodation can go a long way to overcoming these barriers.
The duty to accommodate does not just pertain to persons with disabilities. All employees whose employers ensure their workplace is inclusive can find greater productivity and ease when their needs are accommodated. Accommodations mean that an employee can grow, flourish, and feel they are doing meaningful work.
To learn more about the duty to accommodate, visit the PSAC website. Managers who want to learn more about the process for accommodating employees can read Duty to Accommodate: A General Process for Managers.
The JLP’s popular in-person workshop exploring the duty to accommodate will be re-launched in 2024.
Photo: Tom Mosslander on Unsplash.com