People with disabilities represent over 1.8 billion people globally. The disability market controls over $13 trillion (USD) in annal disposable income. This market is large and unrealized. Disabilityinclusive hiring is both lucrative and highly productive according to The Ontario Disability Employment Network. As a jobseeker with an acquired disability myself, it was paramount that I equipped myself and utilized all the many resources London had to offer to position myself for success in the job market.

LEADS Employment not only provided me with resources but also gave me a sense of support and foundation. Knowing there were people I could rely on to help me navigate my job-hunting experience made all the difference in me securing a job along with supporting my employer to work with me so that I could showcase my skills and abilities in their best light. LEADS provided an honest, approachable, and attentive service.

LEADS support includes:

• LEADS employment specialists taking the time to understand you, discuss your skills, interests and work experience and plan out career options to create an individualized action plan.
• Identifying employment opportunities that fit with your skills and interests and directly promote you to employers.
• Customizing cover letters and resumes and helping develop strong interview skills.
• Job coaching and follow up support which can include weekly calls.
• Once employed, LEADS employment specialists follow up with you and your employer, reviewing your progress and aid on the job site, as needed to help you be successful.

Access for Persons with Disabilities (ATN) is also one of London’s support networks for workers with disabilities. ATN have several facilities and supports that include:

• Resource centre where staff are available to help you with resumes, research employment opportunities and find out about additional community resources. You can also use the facilities to work on your own.
• Technology services can aid you in understanding and using technology whether you’re tech savvy or just a beginner.
• Help in the workplace by conducting ergonomic assessments and recommendations.
• Individualized accommodations and return-towork plans for your staff.
• HR templates for your HR department when you are employed.
• Employment services providing individual or group options that help you develop stress management skills, conflict resolution techniques and understand safe workplace practices.
• Once employed, ATN continues to support you at whatever level you need from advice, on-site job coaching to advocating to ensure you have proper accommodations.

Job seekers will always come across hurdles and roadblocks as we search for that right job, and for those of us with disabilities, visible or invisible, there is without a doubt going to be an extra challenge. Knowing you don’t have to plug away at the daunting task of navigating all that goes into landing interviews, getting hired, and beginning that new job alone doesn’t only level the playing field, but may even be a slight advantage, at least in the form of supports.

London is filled with supports for anyone who needs them on their job-hunting adventure; I know this first hand. Sometimes you may have to do a little digging to find them, but it will be worth it in the end.