Media

The launch of WorkAbly: Because we all deserve decent work!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

[Toronto, ON, November 27, 2023] – Researchers at Ontario Tech University, Nipissing University, York University and Durham College, in partnership with four disability organizations across Canada, including the National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS), are excited to announce the launch of a new website: Workably.ca is the culmination of the Mid-Career Workers with Disabilities (MCWD) Project, funded by Canada’s Future Skills Centre. The Project focused on strengthening the career adaptability of persons with disabilities and supporting Canada's growing accessible ecosystem so that all Canadians can look to a barrier-free future, including communities, workplaces, and services. The website features informative content to help individuals with disabilities working or seeking employment and others in the disability and employment sector connect in ways seldom experienced in the current environment.

Key features of the new website include:
– Resource library and learning tools developed by persons with disabilities
– Job and other opportunities boards
– Employer resources, including a free job posting portal

“We are thrilled to unveil our new website and provide mid-career workers with disabilities, employers, and advocates an opportunity to access tools and resources supporting employment,” said Sue Coffey, Associate Professor at Ontario Tech University.

Visitors are encouraged to explore the website and join as a member for enhanced features and newsletters. Additional features will be added in the coming weeks and months, including discussion forums and a peer-to-peer support program. For media inquiries, contact the project co-leads, Dr. Charles Anyinam (charlesa@nipissingu.ca) and Dr. Sue Coffey (sue.coffey@ontariotechu.ca).

About the Mid-Career Workers with Disabilities (MCWD) project and Workably.ca

All Canadians have the right to participate fully in Canadian society. Yet, individuals with disabilities continue to face challenges that include underemployment and unemployment, limited opportunities and access to post-secondary education, negative attitudes and discrimination in the workplace, and displacement due to labour market conditions. The Mid-Career Workers with Disabilities (MCWD) project, with grant funding from Canada's Future Skills Centre, addressed these challenges through robust research and the development of evidence-informed resources WorkAbly.ca is the culmination of the MCWD project. The website houses the resources developed by project partners, research reports and additional resources shared by the partners and affiliates. The MCWD project and Workably.ca were made possible through partnering with non-profit organizations across Canada -- NEADS, the Quebec Association for Equity and Inclusion in Post-Secondary Education (AQEIPS), the Council of Canadians with Disabilities (CCD), and the Manitoba League of Persons with Disabilities (MLPD).

For information contact:

Charles Anyinam
Associate Professor
Nipissing University
Charlesa@nipissingu.ca (705) 474-3450 ext. 4736
www.workably.ca