What would a national strategy towards greater inclusion of people with disabilities in the Canadian labour market look like? And where do we begin when setting out to develop such a strategy?

The barriers to inclusion in the paid labour market for persons with disabilities are many. The issues are complex, multi-faceted and deeply intertwined. And that’s not to mention the diverse viewpoints, experiences and programs to consider—from individuals with different health conditions and functional limitations to the various systems and policies across the country, all with their own legacies and constraints.

For the organizations that co-hosted last fall’s National Conference on Work Disability in Canada, a starting point was embracing diversity and inclusivity. The three-day conference, held in Ottawa from November 27-29, was organized by the Centre for Research on Work Disability Policy (a seven-year research initiative with its national office at the Institute for Work & Health), the Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work, the Ontario Network of Injured Workers Groups and InclusionNL.