Diversity Works
About Diversity Works
Diversity Works aimed to understand the experiences of Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) who experience disability (BIPOC-D) as they navigate their employment journey with the assistance of supported employment service providers. The project was funded by the Government of Canada’s Workplace Opportunities: Removing Barriers to Equity program.
The Diversity Works research project reflects CASE's commitment to creating inclusive workplaces for all and building a labour force that mirrors Canada's incredible diversity. This project included:
Read the Full Research Report Here
Diversity Works Research
Diversity Works research explored the experiences of Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) who experience disability as they navigate their employment journey with the assistance of supported employment service providers. The research was conducted between November 2021 and June 2022, and engaged 70 supported employment service providers, 23 employers, and 70 BIPOC jobseekers experiencing disability through surveys, focus groups and in-depth interviews and successfully captured data about:
- Experiences of BIPOC jobseekers who experience disability
- Strengths and challenges faced by employment service providers who assist BIPOC jobseekers who experience disability
- Experiences of employers as they strive to diversity their staff
Click Here for the Executive Summary in English
Virtual discussion on “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the supported employment sector”
In August 2022, Diversity Works hosted a virtual discussion on “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the supported employment sector”. The event explored the opportunities and challenges in ensuring equitable workplace opportunities for Black, Indigenous and People of Colour within the supported employment sector. The summary report of the discussion can be found here.
View the Round Table Summary Report
Workshops on “Inclusion, Diversity and a Sense of Belonging: The Journey of Disrupting Social Barriers”
In July 2022, Diversity works organized three workshops and trained over 60 supported employment professionals on:
- Key terminology around Inclusion and Intersectionality
- Increasing awareness and understanding of the social barriers that impact diversity and a sense of belonging
- Exploring inherent biases
- Creating safe spaces to engage in brave conversations
- Sharing strategies that support employers in creating safe work environments for all staff and clients
- Being kind to oneself while on this journey
Two-part webinar series on “The “Why” behind the “How”: Broadening Diversity Discussions and Becoming Liberated”
This two-part webinar was designed to increase awareness of the experiences of those who identify as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color (BIPOC) and who experience disability. Through critical reflection, participants challenged their ways of knowing and engaged in both personal and organizational analyses aimed at creating innovative supports for BIPOC clients with disability. Part one focused on increasing awareness, and part two considered ways agencies can strengthen supports and service delivery to BIPOC-D job seekers. The webinars were available in English and French closed captioning and American Sign Language.
Webinar Part 1: Awareness
Webinar Part 2: Analysis and Action
Learn More About This Project
If you have questions about this project or are interested in collaborative research opportunities please reach out to Shifat Ara, Project Manager- Diversity Works at [email protected].
