Publications and Resources

Skilled trades are a critical sector for Canada’s economy and ongoing reductions in this workforce present potential instability for future global competitiveness. Persons with disabilities represent a substantial untapped workforce that could help address these shortages when provided with relevant and appropriate workplace support solutions. A systematic environmental scan of a popular search engine was conducted and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. The first 100 links of each search were reviewed for potential eligibility, and relevant links were assessed in detail for information related to workplace solutions, including assistive products, supportive devices, and job accommodations for various impairments in skilled trades sectors. Data were extracted and synthesized according to impairment type and trade-specific applications.In total, 242 relevant internet sources were identified, describing 124 unique support solutions. Identified solutions primarily supported physical impairments (n=81, 65.3%), followed by vision (n=26, 21.0%), hearing (n=10, 8.1%), and learning, cognitive, memory, or mental health-related (n=7, 5.6%) impairments.This environmental scan identified that workplace support solutions for skilled trades workers are disproportionately distributed across impairment types: limited supports were identified for vision, hearing, or cognitive impairments compared to physical impairments. More information related to the job-specific tasks and demands of trades work, and the development of solutions that directly address functional limitations in those tasks, will be critical to increase equitable employment for persons with disabilities in the skilled trades. View French publication

A significant global shortage of skilled workers is expected within the next decade; meanwhile, persons with disabilities are an overlooked source of talent. With the appropriate support, accommodations, and training, persons with disabilities can thrive and make valuable contributions in these critical occupations. Emerging developments of assistive technologies offer new opportunities to remove barriers for persons with disabilities to (re)enter and remain in the skilled workforce. We conducted a scoping review to synthesize the existing research pertaining to assistive technologies designed to improve the accessibility of skilled trade occupations for persons with disabilities. Through a systematic search of seven databases and two rounds of screening, 12 relevant articles were identified. Most articles focused on assistive technologies to support physical disabilities in the skilled trades, whereas few researched assistive technologies for cognitive or sensory disabilities. Our findings emphasize the need for employers’ awareness of the assistive technologies available in order to incorporate them into their disability management strategies. By fostering inclusive and accessible workplaces, organizations can support the (re)integration of workers with disabilities and attract new talent, thereby contributing to the growth and development of the economy. View French publication