Finding a job can be a challenge for anyone, but for people with both visible and non-visible disabilities in Nova Scotia, the barriers can feel insurmountable.
According to the Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work (CCRW), the province has one of the largest employment gaps in the country: 20 per cent between people with and without disabilities, which is higher than the national average of 16 per cent.
"One of the things that we hear is that businesses are afraid. They're fearful of making the wrong decision that the person with a disability just can't do the job,” said Maureen Haan, president of the CCRW.
Haan said almost 40 per cent of Nova Scotians identify as someone with a disability.
"That's a huge untapped market. We're in a labour shortage, we need good workers, so we need to make sure there are businesses are adjusting themselves,” Haan said.
For Vicky Levack, job hunting has been a series of rejections. Despite being qualified for many positions, she said she has faced barriers at every turn.
“I gave up on traditional work years ago when I realized no one was going to hire," said Levack.
She recalls an interview she did a few years ago she believed she was well-suited for. She was told he could not hire her because of her disability.
"The person interviewing me said they wouldn't hire my because disability would make immigrants uncomfortable,” she said.
On Monday CCRW will be hosting a virtual summit for employers and people with disabilities.
"If you're showing your workforce represents your client base, then that's an added benefit," said Haas.
