The resources on this page will help you communicate about your disability and deal with related issues.
For example, you may need to tell an employer or school about your disability to receive assistance. You may also require specific working conditions, technology or programs to help you succeed.
Disclosure
Disclosure means telling someone about your disability. The decision to disclose is one only you can make. You may decide to disclose to an employer or a school administrator on an application form, in an interview, or not at all.
If you’re applying for support, you may be required to disclose your disability.
For example, Disability Related Employment Supports (DRES) requires that you disclose your disability to receive accommodation or assistive services and technology.
For more information visit:
Accommodations
Accommodations are changes made by employers, schools and organizations to assist persons with disabilities. Changes can be made to rules, standards, policies, workplace cultures and physical environments. This is known as a duty to accommodate.
Accommodations at school and work can include
- physical facilities like elevators or modified washrooms
- work or school conditions like reduced hours of work or oral rather than written exams
- services and technology like specially trained companion dogs and devices that enhance speech
Additional information and resources:
- Accommodations: Working with Your Disability
- Alberta Human Rights Commission: Duty to Accommodate
- Alberta Human Rights Commission: Duty to accommodate students with disabilities in post-secondary educational institutions
- Government of Canada Persons with Disabilities Online: Accessibility
- A to Z of Disabilities and Accommodations - Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
Assistive Services and Technology
This kind of assistance includes services like employment programs for developmentally disabled adults and devices such as hands-free telephones.
- funding for assistive services and technology — Disability Related Employment Supports (DRES)
- information about assistive devices for work and independent living — Government of Canada Persons with Disabilties Online: Assistive Technology
- financial assistance for medical equipment and supplies — Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL)