Grinding to Greatness:A Guide to Landing a Job as a Person with a Physical Disability in Canada

A blonde haired man wearing rectangular glasses sits in a wheelchair at a laptop. He is using a variety of different assistive technologies connected to his chair.

Hello lovely human; let me tell you something you likely already know, landing a job as a person with a physical disability in Canada, where there isn't a disability act (yet), is no easy task. But it's not impossible. You just have to hustle harder and be more strategic.

First and foremost, it's important to identify your biggest champions. These are people who will advocate for you and support you in your job search. These can be fellow persons with disabilities (PWDs) who are employed in a field you're interested in, allies that can vouch for you and also be your eyes and ears for possible leads, and organizations that are looking to diversify.

Next, you need to showcase your skills and experiences in the best light possible. This means tailoring your resume and cover letter to the job you're applying for, highlighting your relevant skills and experiences. It also means being able to articulate your value proposition and how you can contribute to the company.

Listen, let's get real here; the pandemic was a huge freaking deal for the disabled community around the globe. It forced everyone to shift their thinking and adapt to a new way of working. Suddenly, the idea of working from home wasn't just a nice perk, it was a necessity. And you know what? It was a game-changer. And it's about time. The world is finally catching up to what we PWDs have known all along: we are just as capable, if not more so, than anyone else. The pandemic was a turning point for PWDs, and it's not going back. It's time to embrace the change and embrace the opportunities that come with it.

One thing that worked for me was getting a mentor who believed in me and saw my potential. This person gave it to me straight when it came to things I needed to improve on or reassured me about things I was too hard on myself. I now realize that a lot of that stemmed from internalized ableism from society. My mentor also introduced me to other mentors who also helped me navigate the job market. They provided guidance, feedback and introduced me to people in my industry.

But, most importantly, you need to be relentless. You need to keep pushing and hustling until you land that job. You’re going to need to work five times harder than you’re able-bodied counterparts. If you truly want to get that job, it won’t matter. It's not going to be easy, but it's going to be worth it. Remember, if you're not grinding, you're falling behind. Keep hustling, keep grinding, and don't give up.

In addition to that, it's also important to remember, don't be afraid to ask for accommodations if you need any. It's your right to ask, and it's the employer's responsibility to provide reasonable accommodations. And it's also good to have a list of accommodations that you may need in case the employer asks. Personally, I've made the choice not to disclose my physical disability because I know it doesn't factor into my ability to do the job. However, when I get a call for an interview, I'll casually ask if the office is wheelchair accessible. This way, the person booking the interview is aware of my disability without me having to disclose it formally.

Finding a team of people who will keep you accountable, realistic, confident, and humble is crucial when looking for a job as a person with a physical disability in Canada. These individuals can be mentors, friends, family, or even a therapist. They will help you to stay motivated and focused, even when the job search process becomes challenging. They will also help you to identify your strengths and weaknesses and give you honest feedback on your job search strategy. They will be there to remind you of your capabilities and push you to reach your full potential. Having a team that supports you in this way will make all the difference in your job search and, ultimately, in your career.

So, to all my PWDs out there, don't let anyone or anything hold you back. Believe in yourself and your abilities, and go out there and land that job. And don't forget, always be hustling.

What steps have you taken in your job search as a person with a physical disability? What has been the most challenging aspect of your job search and what would you like to know more about? Please share your feedback and let me know what areas you would like me to dive deeper into.