Realize has been undertaking targeted projects on episodic disabilities and employment for the past 15 years and for those targeted in this work, knowledge of episodic disabilities has increased significantly. However, the sheer numbers of people living with episodic disabilities requires expansion of this work.
Project Objectives
- To increase awareness of episodic disabilities amongst employers
- To increase the understand of employers about the employment challenges related to working and living with episodic disabilities
- To increase the capacity of employers to respond effectively to the challenges facing people living with episodic disabilities
- To increase access to information and professional networking opportunities for small, medium, and large employers on leading practices in accommodating employees with episodic disabilities in the workplace
- To increase the capacity of people living with episodic disabilities to communicate effectively about their lived experience
Project Overview
Workplaces REVAMPED (Recognizing the VAlue of eMPloyees with Episodic Disabilities) draws together diverse stakeholders to forge social innovation partnerships with new employers and other workplace leaders in an effort to create a groundswell of awareness of episodic disabilities and employment.
We have convened an Advisory Committee of people living with episodic disabilities and an Employers Network of diverse employers to facilitate connections and learning between workplaces and individuals seeking work. Strong partnerships created through the Employers’ Network on Episodic Disability (ENED) and participation in the Realize Speakers’ Bureau will increase the confidence of participants to advocate for their accommodation needs and build awareness of the issues people living with episodic disabilities are facing.
The Episodic Disabilities at Work workshop will be offered to companies, organizations, and business across Canada as a tool to strengthen awareness of and accommodation for employees with episodic disabilities. To date, the workshop has been presented to 15 places of employment to over 100 individuals. Each session includes a 15-minuted presentation by a participant from the Realize Speakers’ Bureau. These short presentations have provided opportunities for presenters to connect with workplace leaders and to practice their own self-advocacy skills. Find out how to book a workshop for your workplace.
Project Feedback
“This was FANTASTIC and sooooo timely! I recently had an interviewee that asked if two things were okay (accommodations), while we were in the interview. I remember thinking that was so brave of her. She ended up being our successful candidate and now I feel empowered to open up conversation with her to ensure we are meeting her needs. Thank you for the VALUABLE work you are doing – and thank you [Speakers’ Bureau member] for your bravery in sharing today.”
“I did not have the opportunity to attend this workshop online, but I am very glad that the video was shared [internally] and I watched it. I learnt a lot of new things that I’d never even thought about. I feel that this workshop changed and shifted my perception of mental health issues. I was impressed with the examples of how we can use more kind and tactful language speaking with someone who may experience an episodic disability. Thank you for shifting my perception.”
Relevant documents
Should I Tell Them? Working Towards Barrier-Free Recruitment in the Canadian Labour Market
Work and Income Resources
The Pandemic Pandora’s Box: Long COVID and Episodic Disability
Project Report; Realize 2021
Executive Summary
The Pandemic Pandora’s Box report analyzes the combined findings of two informal, community-driven surveys shared openly online in February 2021. The first asked adults working or seeking work in Canada about their experiences with Long COVID, while the second asked Canadian employers about their comfort level and preparedness to provide workplace accommodations to COVID-19 long-haulers. Up to 1 in 3 people who contract COVID-19 – regardless of the severity of their acute infection – risk facing Long COVID. Long COVID refers to a multitude of fluctuating, debilitating symptoms that may affect all organ systems and for many cause impairments which last for months.
A Report on the 2020 Survey of Certified Human Resources Professionals Regarding Episodic Disabilities
Word document; Realize 2021