Employment & Skills Development

Meaningful employment is an important part of independence and inclusion. VAD supports individuals in exploring opportunities, building skills, and connecting with inclusive employers.
Tips for Job Seekers:

• Highlight your strengths and transferable skills
• Seek out inclusive employers and workplaces
• Use available support services to navigate the job search

Across Alberta, more employers are recognizing that inclusive hiring isn’t just the right thing to do—it strengthens workplaces, drives innovation, and builds resilient communities.

Leading by Example
Organizations like Alberta Blue Cross and Government of Alberta have taken meaningful steps toward inclusive employment by:

• Creating accessible recruitment processes
• Offering workplace accommodations and flexible work options
• Embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into workplace culture
• Supporting employees with disabilities through internal networks and policies

Programs like EmployAbilities also work directly with employers to match qualified candidates with disabilities to meaningful job opportunities—helping businesses build inclusive teams with confidence.

What Inclusive Hiring Looks Like in Practice
Inclusive hiring goes beyond checking a box. Alberta employers making real impact are:

• Simplifying job postings with clear, accessible language
• offering alternative interview formats (virtual, skills-based, or supported interviews)
• Providing accommodations from day one, not just after hiring
• Focusing on skills and potential, rather than rigid job requirements
• Creating psychologically safe workplaces where employees feel valued and supported

These approaches don’t just benefit employees with disabilities—they improve hiring and retention for everyone.

The Business Case
Employers across Canada are seeing the benefits:

• Higher employee retention and loyalty
• Increased workplace morale and collaboration
• Access to a broader, often under utilized talent pool
• Stronger reputation as an inclusive and socially responsible organization

VAD’s Role in Advancing Inclusive Employment
The Voice of Albertans with Disabilities (VAD) supports inclusive hiring by:

• Educating employers on accessibility and accommodation
• Connecting individuals to employment supports and resources
• Advocating for equitable hiring practices and policy improvements
• Amplifying lived experiences to inform better workplace practices

Spotlight Opportunity
Know an employer making a difference? We want to hear from you. VAD is looking to feature organizations that are:

• Championing inclusive hiring
• Creating accessible workplaces
• Leading with innovation and compassion

Let’s celebrate the employers who are helping build a more inclusive Alberta—one job at a time.