Looking for work is an intimidating process in any situation. Add a newly acquired or pre-existing disability to the mix and sometimes it feels like the hill is now a mountain. Climbing a mountain is possible and sometimes it isn’t about making it to the top but making it to the first camp.

Things to consider

In order to make your journey easier, you need to be prepared. That starts with knowing your skills and abilities. Don’t discount what you can do because you’re fixated on what you now can’t do.

Things to ask yourself:

1. What skills do I have from previous work experiences?
2. Can I still do those things that my previous work required?
3. Do I still want to be in that line of work?
4. If yes, how can I be accommodated to continue in that career path?
5. If no, what are my options?
6. What skills do I need to develop in order to work? (e.g. someone who is newly blind will need to learn to use a screen reader)
7. How do I develop those skills?
8. Who can help me in this journey?
9. What is my timeline for returning to work?
10. Do I know what my accommodation needs are?

This learning tool was developed by MLPD in partnership with The Mid-Career Workers with Disabilities through Community-building, Education, and Career-Progression Resources (MCWD) Project. For more information about the project click here.

Project funded by the Government of Canada's Future Skills Centre - https://fsc-ccf.ca/