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A Difference of Ability examines the daily challenges facing people with disabilities and reveals the reasons why job-seekers and employers experience difficulty connecting and how that can change. This DVD serves as a catalyst for discussion between and among both educator and employer groups and ultimately end in valuable education for all concerned.

“Realism and pragmatic approaches make this DVD the best ‘how-to’ video that

I’ve seen yet for those working in the field of special needs and disabilities. The resounding self-advocacy of the job seekers and the frank perspectives of employers and service providers ensures a rapt audience.”

— James Vandervoort, Instructor, George Brown

“The time is right for this documentary to be seen by employers, service agencies, prospective employees, the government and the public. Its messages are poignant and empowering and gives all groups concerned a blueprint for navigating their way to full engagement.”

— Steven Fletcher, Parliamentary Assistant to the Federal Minister of Health

The DVD is organized into four Chapters each exploring and offering solutions to existing challenges facing employees, support agencies and employers. A convenient Menu feature makes it easy to view the video according to selected Chapters.

Opening Introduction.

• Overview of employment of the disabled in Canada

• Interviews with business leaders,employment agencies and successful disabled employees in a variety of workplaces

• Needs of the disabled to connect with employers and be part of the work force

• Unique skills offered by the disabled which allows employers to tap into a larger labour market

• Improving the situation:

1) determined job seekers,

2) flexible employers and

3) connected support agencies

Stepping Stones.

The video uses compelling scenarios from everyday workplaces that assist in developing a positive attitude and approach to the job search process.

• Developing a stable life support system for the employee

• Overcoming barriers: social, psychological and physical for both the visibly and invisibly disabled to create confident well trained job seekers

• Setting realistic goals

• Focused training, education and skills development

• Interview preparation: Disclosure – is it necessary?

• Accessibility and Transportation

• Social networking

• Inspirational interviews with people who were born with disabilities and those who acquired them

Bridging the Gap.

This chapter explores the challenges faced by employers interested in connecting with potential disabled employees.

• Support Agencies as effective intermediaries between employer and persons with disabilities

• Choosing and securing a support agency

• Legal and human rights concerns

• Social assistance issues

• Connecting: complications for businesses in easily finding, recruiting and retaining disabled candidates

• Solutions from business leaders on developing successful relationships with the disabled community work for force

• Re-engineering for agencies and business: new strategies

Taking the Plunge.

People who have found success offer powerful insights, practical solutions and strategies for those interested in improving the employment situation facing people with disabilities in today’s labour market.

• Dispelling myths and misconceptions of hiring and accommodating disabled employees

• Case studies with business leaders on the advantages of hiring the disabled

• How employers can best access with the disabled labour force and successfully create a positive work environment for all employees