Canadian Association for Supported Employment

Diversity Works

About Diversity Works

Diversity Works aimed to understand the experiences of Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) who experience disability (BIPOC-D) as they navigate their employment journey with the assistance of supported employment service providers. The project was funded by the Government of Canada’s Workplace Opportunities: Removing Barriers to Equity program.

The Diversity Works research project reflects CASE's commitment to creating inclusive workplaces for all and building a labour force that mirrors Canada's incredible diversity.

Diversity Works Research

Diversity Works research explored the experiences of Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) who experience disability (BIPOC-D) as they navigate their employment journey with the assistance of supported employment service providers. The research was conducted between November 2021 and June 2022. 

Through surveys, focus groups and in-depth interviews, 70 supported employment service providers, 23 employers and 70 BIPOC job seekers experiencing disability were engaged.

Data was successfully captured about:

  • Experiences of BIPOC job seekers who experience disability
  • Strengths and challenges faced by employment service providers who assist BIPOC job seekers who experience disability
  • Experiences of employers as they strive to diversity their staff

Virtual discussion on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Supported Employment Sector

In August 2022, Diversity Works hosted a virtual discussion on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Supported Employment Sector. The event explored the opportunities and challenges in ensuring equitable workplace opportunities for Black, Indigenous and People of Colour within the supported employment sector. The summary report of the discussion can be found here.

Workshops on Inclusion, Diversity and a Sense of Belonging: The Journey of Disrupting Social Barriers

In July 2022, Diversity Works organized three workshops and trained over 60 supported employment professionals on:

  • Key terminology around Inclusion and Intersectionality
  • Increasing awareness and understanding of the social barriers that impact diversity and a sense of belonging
  • Exploring inherent biases
  • Creating safe spaces to engage in brave conversations
  • Sharing strategies that support employers in creating safe work environments for all staff and clients
  • Being kind to oneself while on this journey

Two-part webinar series on “The 'Why' behind the 'How':
Broadening Diversity Discussions and Becoming Liberated”

This two-part webinar was designed to increase awareness of the experiences of those who identify as Black, Indigenous or a Person of Color (BIPOC) and who experience disability (BIPOC-D). Through critical reflection, participants challenged their ways of knowing and engaged in both personal and organizational analyses aimed at creating innovative supports for BIPOC clients with disability. Part one focused on increasing awareness. Part two considered ways agencies can strengthen supports and service delivery to BIPOC-D job seekers. The webinars were available in English and French closed captioning and American Sign Language.

Webinar Part 1: Awareness

Webinar Part 2: Analysis and Action

Learn More about This Project

If you have questions about this project or are interested in collaborative research opportunities, please reach out to Shifat Ara, Project Manager  Diversity Works at [email protected]

CASE Mentorability logo

Newsletter

Sign up for our e-newsletter and stay current with all the latest from CASE and supported employment work across Canada and beyond. You’ll also receive our latest promotions and offers. We will not share your email address with any third-party vendors. See our Privacy Policy (at the link below under Quick Links) for full details on how we protect your personal information.

Connect With CASE

Tell us about new, innovative supported employment initiatives your organization is spearheading. Please send us your ideas or advice on how CASE can better serve you.