Enhancing Inclusive Work-Integrated Learning

York’s vision for an equity strategy is based on a commitment to decolonizing, equity, diversity, and inclusion (DEDI) and the fundamental belief that everyone should be treated fairly and equitably, with respect and dignity. The Digital Technologies program is committed to creating and supporting opportunities for an inclusive, work-integrated learning community.  This chapter will provide tools and resources to support our students.

Disclosure

Disclosure is an individual choice. The following resources are collated in support of an inclusive, work-integrated learning community.

Tips About Disclosure

Tips and Considerations for Students When Disclosing a Disability to an Employer

Guide to Your Rights and Responsibilities under the Human Rights Code

Removing Barriers

Workplace accommodation will remove barriers for students to participate fully in the work environment.

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) is intended to reduce and remove barriers for people with disabilities so that Ontario can become more accessible and inclusive for everyone. Collaboration among businesses, organizations, communities, and all levels of government is key to reaching this goal.

Steps for Workplace Accommodations

Starting a workplace accommodation for an employee involves a systematic process that includes understanding the employee’s needs, collaborating with the employee and relevant stakeholders, and implementing appropriate accommodations.

Here are the steps to start a workplace accommodation:

1. Identify the Need for Accommodation: The process typically begins when you (employee / DT student) disclose a need for accommodation due to a disability or neurodiversity. Alternatively, supervisors or HR may observe the challenges the employee / DT student is facing and initiate a conversation.
2. Engage in an Interactive Process: This involves a conversation between you, the Professional Skills Coach, and the employer (or HR representative) to discuss your needs and potential accommodations. The conversation should be open and collaborative.
3. Gather Information: Depending on the circumstances, the employer may request medical documentation or other information about your condition to better understand the need for accommodation. The documentation should be handled confidentially.
4. Assess the Job Requirements: Examine the essential functions to determine what accommodations are necessary and appropriate for you.
5. Explore Potential Accommodations: Consider different types of accommodations, such as physical modifications, assistive technology, or changes in the work schedule, as possible accommodations that would enable you to perform effectively.
6. Evaluate and Select Accommodations: After exploring different options, communicate with your supervisor the most appropriate accommodations that align with your needs to meet the job requirements. Consider the feasibility and potential impact on the workplace.
7. Integrate your Accommodations: Utilize your accommodations within the workplace.
8. Monitor and Adjust: Monitor the accommodations to ensure they are working as intended. Check in with your employer periodically to discuss any ongoing or new challenges and adjust accommodations as needed.

Student Resources at York University

• Professional Skills Coach – Jenny Peach jpeach@yorku.ca
• Student Accessibility Services
• Student Counselling, Health & Well-being

Resources

Relevant Publications

1. Duty to accommodate. 8. Duty to accommodate Ontario Human Rights Commission. (n.d.). Retrieved November 11, 2021, from http://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/policy-ableism-anddiscrimination-based-disability/8-duty-accommodate.
2. Guide to your rights and responsibilities under the Human Rights Code. Ontario Human Rights Commission. (n.d.). Retrieved November 18, 2021, from http://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/guide-your-rights-andresponsibilities-under-human-rights-code-0.
3. What is a “reasonable accommodation”? Mental Health Works. (2015, September 30). Retrieved December 14, 2021, from https://www.mentalhealthworks.ca/resources/what-is-areasonableaccommodation/#:~:text=Accommodations%20are%20deter mined%20by%20the,stigmatiz
4. York University, Decolonizing, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2023-2028