Project Update: October 2023

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What have we been up to?

• We finished the first round of user testing for our Guiding Principles Checklist. Employment support agencies from across BC have provided us with feedback on the content and language of the checklist. We are working through their feedback to address any needed edits. Once these are complete, we will start final testing. We hope to release the Guiding Principles Checklist in the New Year!

• To engage employers, we have written a survey that explores interest and need for learning materials around hiring and retaining young employees with disabilities. To distribute this survey, we’re partnering with BCMindReader, a survey distribution service offered through the BC Chamber of Commerce.

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Data spotlight: Sneak-peek at the Caregiver Survey Report

We asked three of our Youth Advisory Committee members to share their advice and experiences as youth with disabilities in the workforce.

Starting in October, we began offering Youth Advisory Committee members optional monthly paid, resume-building opportunities to collaborate with us on social media. The videos aim to increase ESYD’s youth engagement, while benefitting the participants. Here are a few of the highlights from October:

Q: What advice would you give a young person with disabilities looking for their first job? 

MARIKA

“Ask about how flexible the company is in regards to accommodations, as accommodations can change over a period time, and a lot of people with or without disabilities ask for accommodations.”

EVAN

“My advice […] is to not be afraid who you are, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you can’t get a job right [away], look for volunteer opportunities that will help you develop new skills and meet new people. Through these connections from volunteering, I was able to get a job.”

MELISSA 

“Remember that people with disabilities have had to navigate a world that is not built for us, so we have often had to develop skills that others may not have. Many of us have had to learn skills like problem solving and being persistent and adaptable. So, think about what you’ve learned from your own disability, and highlight it.”

Find the full clips on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, or learn more about our Youth Advisory Committee.

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What’s next?

The Caregiver and Service Provider Survey Reports are underway. We look forward to sharing both with you soon.

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