Accommodating and Communicating about Episodic Disabilities

Accommodating and Communicating about Episodic Disabilities (ACED) is a partnership of researchers (largely based at the Institute for Work & Health) and non-profit health charities that is developing interactive, evidence-based tools and resources to support the sustained employment of persons living with physical, cognitive and mental-health disabilities.

People living with disabilities are often unsure how to best communicate their needs and, like many of their supervisors, are often unaware of the support strategies that can help. ACED has created the Job Demands and Accommodation Planning Tool (JDAPT), an easy-to-use online tool that helps people identify the demands of a job that may create barriers, as well as provides personalized strategies to help them overcome the challenges.

The JDAPT can make it easier for persons with disabilities to get workplace support by directing their attention to their individual needs and the range of concrete supports available to address them. This can lead to greater confidence and self-efficacy among workers living with disabilities and, in turn, improve the quality and sustainability of their employment participation.

Challenges:

The MaRS and CIBC Inclusive Design Challenge: Support at Work