Job seekers with disabilities may struggle to find work because of inaccessible job postings, inaccessible job application processes, and difficulty finding future employers who are disability confident.

For example, studies have shown that common barriers in the job application process include:

• Online job portals and form fields that are not compatible with screen readers [1]
• Keyboard navigation that is not compatible with screen readers, including illogical reading order and inaccessible interactive elements like buttons or form fields [1],[2]
• Platforms that are not optimized for mobile use and lack features like text resizing and colour contrast[2]
• Excessive steps and inconsistent navigation[1]
• Insufficient user support, including inaccessible contact information and user feedback[1]

CCRW’s Untapped Talent job board provides job seekers with an accessible job application platform, with accessible features such as:

• Page layouts created with keyboard navigation in mind, ensuring that a proper hierarchy was in place to allow for easy navigation
• Pages designed to be optimized for mobile and desktop job searching.
• Alternative text for image descriptions used throughout the site
• Colour contrast designed to be Web Content Accessibility Guidelines level AA compliant
• Users will be able to provide feedback on the usability of the job board through a user survey during November and December 2024

Importantly, the Untapped Talent job board also helps connect job seekers with employers who are committed to disability inclusion. CCRW works closely with employers to boost their disability confidence and support the fostering of inclusive workplaces by offering a wide range of supports and resources, such as CCRW’s Disability Confidence Toolkit.

CCRW supports job seekers in their employment journeys, providing tailored employment services. Through CCRW, job seekers have access to valuable resources to support their careers including topics like how to disclose disability to an employer and asking for accommodations. And now, job seekers have access to a job board of opportunities from disability-confident employers.

Register today for Untapped Talent.

For more CCRW resources, check out:

• Showing Your Skills: Resume eBook
• Skills for Success eLearning Courses
• Other resources for and workers with disabilities

References

[1] Gevorkian, D. (2024, February 28). How to Make Your Job Application Process More Accessible. Built In. https://builtin.com/articles/job-application-more-accessible

[2] International Labour Organization & International Telecommunication Union. (2023). Guidebook on Accessible Employment. https://accessibleemployers.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/ILO-ITU-Guidebook.pdf