Accessibility and Inclusion in the Environmental Sector

ECO Canada is dedicated to fostering inclusion by creating and promoting opportunities for people with disabilities to have meaningful careers in the environmental sector. Diverse perspectives and experiences are essential for addressing the complex challenges of environmental sustainability.

Introduction

The Canadian Association for Supported Employment is a national association of community-based service providers and stakeholders working towards employment inclusion of persons experiencing disability.

They strive to promote full citizenship and personal capacity through the facilitation of increased labour market participation. Through workforce participation, CASE also promotes social inclusion for Canadians who experience disability.

Supported by CASE, this initiative aims to remove barriers and create pathways for individuals with disabilities to engage in and benefit from careers in the environmental sector. Through strategic partnerships, innovative training programs, and inclusive policy development, we will empower a new generation of environmental professionals.

This project commenced on Oct 1, 2023 and will conclude on October 1, 2024. This project will allow us to build a strong foundation and knowledge base about supported employment to enhance ECO Canada’s future service provisions. Our efforts to support job seekers with disabilities and employers in the environmental sector will continue past this project’s end date.

Real Stories.
Real People.

ECO Canada and CASE proudly present a captivating video series, “Real Stories. Real People.” This special collaboration spotlights the tenacity, passion, and invaluable contributions of professionals with disabilities in the environmental sector. Through these inspiring narratives, we celebrate the strength that diversity brings to the fight for a sustainable future. Don’t miss out on these amazing journeys—stay tuned and get inspired by the trailblazers who are leading the charge in our environmental mission. Innovation thrives on diversity, and every voice matters.

NEW REPORT:

Breaking Barriers: Advancing Inclusive Employment for People with Disabilities in Canada’s Green Economy

Are unconscious biases limiting opportunities for Canadians with disabilities in your organization?

Matching people with disabilities to appropriate positions in the environmental sector can be challenging, especially due to the education and physical requirements of many roles. However, with the help of support organizations and accommodations, more opportunities could be created for individuals with disabilities in this sector. Employers may benefit from additional education and support on how to provide accommodations effectively.

Find out how to create a more diverse and equitable team.

Available Resources

Directory for Individuals
with Disabilities Seeking Employment

Explore the Directory for Individuals with Disabilities Seeking Employment, connecting talented individuals with disabilities to environmental employers. Discover organizations promoting inclusion and creating accessible, integrated job opportunities. Click below to learn more!

Directory for Employers Hiring People
with Disabilities

Discover the Directory for Employers Hiring People with Disabilities, linking you to organizations that support hiring and accommodating workers with disabilities while promoting inclusion and accessibility.

Click below to learn more!

Workplace Accommondations for Employees with Disabilities

Our guide on workplace accommodations offers practical ways to support employees with disabilities by adapting workspaces, schedules, and communication methods. The guide provides actionable strategies for fostering inclusivity and accessibility in diverse work environments. Click below to learn more!

Helping Employment for People with Disabilities - An interview of Nikki Langdon

In this video, we sat down with Nikki Langdon from Neil Squire to discuss the challenges many Canadians with disabilities face when seeking meaningful employment and how organizations can help create inclusive workspaces. Nikki shares her journey, offering practical advice and valuable perspectives on breaking down these barriers.

 

Watch now for an honest and inspiring look at how we can foster inclusion and create a truly accessible workforce.

Dispelling Myths and Misconceptions About Hiring Persons With Disabilities - Webinar

On September 4th, 2024, we hosted an informative webinar designed for environmental sector employers to discover the advantages of hiring individuals with disabilities.

This session highlighted how businesses can benefit from creating an inclusive workplace and outlined the support programs available to help you foster accessibility. 

We encourage you to watch the recording to learn how to make your workplace more inclusive!

“Organizations like ECO Canada are taking innovative approaches to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to building a low-carbon economy. Through the Implementation Readiness Fund stream of the Low Carbon Economy Fund, the Government of Canada is investing in projects that remove barriers to low-carbon technology adoption and increase the readiness to deploy GHG emissions reduction projects.” 

– The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change 

Opportunities for Environmental Professionals (EP®s)

ECO Canada’s IGNITE program’s objective is to address the dual challenge of promoting low-carbon technology adoption and closing the talent gap in the green economy. This program offers several opportunities for Environmental Professionals (EPs) Environmental Professional in Training (EPts) to get involved such as:

  • Serve on the advisory committee, providing valuable industry expertise.
  • Share knowledge and experience with the audience by contributing as guest speakers for webinars and in-person events focused on low-carbon technologies and GHG accounting.
  • Take part in the “train-the-trainer” model.
  • Serve as consultants and support to deliver the training to pilot partners.
  • EPt students can participate in the training programs, and support in GHG accounting activities.
  • Opportunities to submit proposals for curriculum development process.

EP®s have many ways to contribute to the IGNITE program, such as joining the advisory committee, speaking in webinars, and engaging as panelists at events. EP®s and EPts can act as consultants in the “train-the-trainer” model, while EPt students assist with training delivery. Click below to learn more!

Partner With Us

Are you an organization committed to inclusivity? Partner with us to create accessible opportunities in your workplace and make a meaningful impact in the environmental sector.

For more information, contact our project team at research@eco.ca.

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