Persons with Disabilities

Since 2002, Academica Group has been involved in a series of policy research projects addressing the barriers to employment faced by people with disabilities

Our initial research with employers, service providers, and consumers provided the catalyst for the launch of the Ability First campaign, which was profiled in 2003 by the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship as a provincial Success Story for its effectiveness in meeting the needs of local employers, service providers, and people with disabilities.

In 2006, we conducted a comprehensive study to refine strategies for employer recognition, education, and outreach, and make recommendations on staffing needs, governance model, the role of private sector partners, and marketing. Drawing on the experience of other jurisdictions, our research highlighted the effectiveness of employer-driven structures that shift the responsibilities for direct liaison with the business community from service providers to employers themselves. In 2006, London and Middlesex employers took up the challenge of developing a new role for private sector partners as business champions and leaders by forming the employer-led Ability First Coalition, which spearheads local efforts to encourage employers to hire people with disabilities.

We have also worked with the disability sector to develop advocacy tools to convince decision-makers and community leaders of the need for action. Read the case study »