Your Rights & Workplace Accommodations

Employee Rights in the Workplace

Employees working in Canada have basic rights that are protected by law, including the right to fair treatment and a safe workplace. It is important to know that human rights and employment laws that apply in your workplace, whether that be in Canada or another country.

Important Legislation you should be aware of:

The BC Human Rights Code and the Canadian Human Right Act legislate that employers cannot discriminate against persons with disabilities and requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations.
The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations contain legal requirements that must be met by all workplaces under the jurisdiction of WorkSafeBC.
The BC Employment Standards Act is designed to promote the fair treatment of employees and employers and to encourage open communication between employers and employees.
The BC Office of the Human Rights Commissioner promotes and protects human rights through education, research, policy development and public investigations into issues of systemic discrimination in the province.

Accommodations in the Workplace

Accommodations are reasonable adjustments made in the workplace and in the interviewing process that level the playing field and allow individuals with disabilities to apply for jobs and fully perform the essential duties of a position.

Many accommodations are simple and inexpensive - here are some examples:

Providing interview questions in advance
Allowing flexible work schedules
Installing computer software (e.g. text to speech or screen magnifiers)
Implementing alternative communication methods
Ensuring a quiet and well-lit workstation

Helpful Resources - information about funding for obtaining accommodations:

Open Door Group: The Opportunities Fund Program is a financial assistance program designed to help people with disabilities to gain employment through funding for training, wage subsidies, adaptive equipment, and self-employment training.
WorkBC: Assistive Technology Services provides equipment and devices to help individuals succeed in the workplace.
Employment and Social Development Canada (Government of Canada): The Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) provides funding for eligible capital projects that increase accessibility for people with disabilities in Canadian communities and workplaces, creating more opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in community activities, programs and services, or access employment opportunities.
Job Accommodation Network: Learn more details about accommodation solutions for your specific disability.
Supporting Employee Success: The free Supporting Employee Success guide is a tool you can use to plan your workplace accommodations. It can help you assess and anticipate potential workplace issues ahead of time and provide your employer with proactive accommodation solutions.

Remember that if you need accommodations, you do have to disclose your disability to your employer.

_{Source: University of Guelph: Accommodations, Mental Health Works, Workplace Strategies for Mental Health, Job Accommodation Network (JAN)}

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