In this resource, you’ll find several inspiring stories of individuals and employers who have successfully navigated the employment landscape within rural and remote communities. Emily, Harmony, Heather, and Wendy have graciously agreed to be interviewed and profiled here (all have agreed to share their names; however, identifying information has been adjusted or removed). Read their stories below and as you do, pay attention to the factors that contributed to their success. In the Identify Success Factors resource, we’ll revisit these success stories.
Emily is a mom in her late 20s who recently moved to a small rural community. She is currently working full time at a new local fast-food restaurant and has agreed to share her story with us as an individual employee with a disabling condition. In sharing her story, she hopes to help others in similar situations.
Let people who are getting into, or back into, the workforce know that that they can overcome their barriers.
Emily described how her experience with homelessness and losing custody, at least temporarily, of her children have impacted her ability to find/maintain employment.
It’s hard on your anxiety, the emotional rollercoaster that you go through.
Difficult life circumstances can lead to individuals feeling stuck with no power to change their own situation – which can ultimately wreak chaos and create instability across work, life, and learning domains. The result is a fixed mindset (e.g., nothing can be done to change the situation) which impedes career progress and keeps people dependent on the very systems intended to help (e.g., income assistance). For Emily, a move to a safer rural community started her shift in mindset – one now focused on growth.
She shared how interconnected community agencies were in a small town. The people there were able to guide her in the right direction. In Emily’s case, as with many others, there are often very basic needs which must be dealt with before engaging in work search activities.
I just got my teeth fixed, which was a huge confidence boost for me and improved my quality of life.
According to Emily, the employment programs, in particular, helped her greatly.
The employment support programs in my town helped me find what jobs were out there to apply for. They showed me the Indeed app. They showed me what type of programs I could take that were free or inexpensive. So, I was able to take my First Aid and I can work with kids now. I also have my Food Safe; that opens doors in the food industry. I have a lot more confidence now that I have a job.
Emily expressed a desire to get into more programs. One outstanding barrier for her, however, was obtaining her Grade 12. She shared how challenging it is when you work all day and there are limited night-school options available to you in smaller communities.
Beyond these community supports, her own connections, namely, her children and her partner, have played vital roles in pushing her forward – i.e., to get her license, obtain full-time employment, and, ultimately, to get off income assistance. Now her focus is building the motivation she needs to provide for her family and create special moments for her children.
They [my kids] motivated and pushed me. Being able to take my kids out and provide them with things that I couldn’t before. Seeing the money in my bank account and feeling the sense of pride knowing that I worked hard for it.
Emily’s story isn’t finished – her end goal is to work in a helping role with children or animals. She had some insights to share with others in similar situations to her.
Don’t be afraid to try, even if you don’t get the job. Get up, get ready, get your face on. Try and do better . . . It may suck, and you may have your bad days but, in the end, it’s a start. It’s growth, and you are working towards your goal.
Harmony is a student in her early 20s who volunteers with organizations that prioritize accessibility. She is motivated by the change she is witnessing in her local community. She has found her voice and power in self advocacy. She’s agreed to share her story with us as a job seeker with a disabling condition; in doing so, she hopes that she can push forward the conversation on accessibility and inclusivity – if not for her, for others who may not be bold enough to share their voice.
Harmony is a positive, forward-thinking individual. She described how she’s had to advocate for herself her entire working life, combating unconscious biases and systemic issues that people with disabling conditions often face in the workplace.
I’ve seen it from the inside, so it kind of gives me the perspective where I can see the holes and kind of where maybe it needs filling.
As we discussed her employment journey, she shared how interview rooms have been inaccessible to her even though employers knew in advance that she has a physical disability. Unfortunately, employers can be shortsighted in their accommodation efforts thinking that if the room itself is accessible, that’s good enough. They may miss very obvious barriers that might prevent a person from getting into the room in the first place (e.g., a step up). It seems so clear in hindsight that having an “accessible” room isn’t sufficient if the person can’t reach it, but when you’re not used to noticing those challenges, it’s more difficult to spot.
Harmony shared one instance where she knew as soon as she got to the interview, that her condition would be an issue.
They [will] make assumptions, and I know that the elephant in the room right now is my physical disability. But here are ways that we can work together so that it won’t be an issue. So that you know and have your peace of mind that I am not going to be a risk to myself or anyone else. Also, so that we can have an honest conversation about needs, for the both of us.
Harmony described how a proactive approach by employers really aided her success (e.g., giving her an intermittent leave of absence form right after she was hired). This enabled her to be able to take care of her health and wellness needs without fear of losing her job. She shared how this ensured that, when she was there, she was actually able to do her job better. Even without a formalized process, employers can demonstrate a positive, proactive approach in just their mindset – something that all employees, regardless of their circumstances, can benefit from – whether or not they have a disabling condition.
They did have this kind of attitude of “take care of you first.” Stay home if you need to stay home. I felt supported as a person, not just as a worker. I felt like a human, not a machine that was expected to pump out work constantly.
She also engaged in further education within a specific program to support the development of employability skills for those with disabling conditions. The teachers had some unique perspectives because they had worked alongside such individuals for a long time.
I knew that there were people fighting, which made it easier to do myself. One of the teachers from that program, I still talk to her to this day. She is able to update me on different things, as the industry is changing, and is able to give up-to-date information, which I always appreciate from her. It was a 9-month certificate program, and I was 18/19 years old at the time, and as a new/young person in the job market, it was super helpful to have that jumping off point.
Unfortunately, Harmony also expressed that employer lack of awareness continues to be a barrier. In her experience, employers were quick to focus on barriers rather than assets and opportunities.
There was a lack of knowledge on the employer’s part, about people with disabling conditions and what they, as an employer, can do to help. Not seeing the capabilities until they are pointed out. It’s disheartening, that there often isn’t an attempt to try to hire people with disabling conditions because [employers] are worried that it’s more trouble than it’s worth.
More often than not, individuals with disabling conditions have to fight to prove their worth – a fight which can be empowering for some, like Harmony. However, this can also take its toll. In our discussions, Harmony kept coming back to self-advocacy.
It’s so important to get the voices of those communities in that conversation, and make sure that real people are being heard in those situations. “Nothing about us, without us.” It might not always change for me, or make things better for me, but you want it to work out for someone else, and that’s why you do it. That’s why you put your voice into it, so it does change eventually. Maybe not right now, but eventually.
When asked what advice she’d like to share, Harmony said:
I think just learning to have a little bit of a tough shell and going into the process knowing what you are going to be facing definitely helps. Educate yourself on others’ experiences. Ask people you know. Ask around...Just knowing that there are others out there in your shoes helps. Knowing you aren’t alone brings a certain level of comfort, which then may help you to have the confidence to advocate for yourself.
Heather is an employer in a small rural community. As an individual living with a disabling condition, she doesn’t let it limit her abilities and believes that there is space for everyone within the workplace. Heather actively creates inclusive opportunities for diverse individuals and believes that people are ready to hear her. Heather noted how legislation from the BC provincial government is bringing diverse abilities and disability to the forefront, and the world is at a point of change. With her story, Heather is hoping to:
Change the attitude and reduce barriers of society so that people can feel safe, and that the social form of disability doesn’t exist. There will always be the medical disability that exists, but the social disability really is more debilitating.
Heather shared how her unique life circumstances – the fact that both herself and her husband have disabling conditions – has been a key factor to understanding the needs of others. Together, her and her husband have supported a wide range of individuals – young and old, with obvious and hidden conditions, both physical and neurological – to find success in the workplace. Heather shared how being approachable and offering a certain level of understanding creates a safe space for people.
I think our biggest success was giving people power to keep going. We were often their starting point, but it wasn’t a stopping point.
Through providing opportunities, Heather shared how many of her staff were able to build confidence, find purpose, and foster well being. In Heather’s opinion, there was always a place for somebody, even if, at times she felt overstaffed. For her, it was a fundamental belief that we all belong.
I had an employee who had schizophrenia and they had been turned away from every employment opportunity for years. So, when they came to work with us, it really gave them a sense of wellbeing and helped with their confidence to try again.
She continued that individuals were able to be themselves at work. They may have needed an accommodation to make it happen, but everyone was capable.
They didn’t have to be anyone else. I think that was attractive to a certain population of people. There was no one that was having difficulties coming in the door saying “this is who I am, this is what I want, and do you have a place for me?”
Heather shared how more information would have permitted her to better support those who need help to get assistance.
Even today, as a 54-year-old, I don’t know how to get access to resources that can help people to get over some of the hurdles.
In rural communities, access to information and resources continues to be a barrier. She shared how she must travel out of her community to get assistance. This is a common experience for those living with disabling conditions in rural communities. Centralized service delivery often minimizes the availability of services in smaller hubs – in part due to demand (i.e., there are less people) and in part due to the limited skilled workforce there (i.e., there are less qualified individuals to work in these positions). She lamented that even if you could find the service/resource you needed, if you can’t access it, this isn’t helpful.
It’s hurdle, after hurdle, just to go down there and get some help. I know I’m not the only one that faces that challenge as most specialists are out of the community. Most of the resources you can access are out of the community. Some of the information that is provided to us by service providers isn’t easily accessible by people with learning disabilities, visual disabilities, or those with brain injuries.
Her advice for employers hiring those with diverse abilities?
Do it. Do it. Your world opens up and you find new ways to communicate. New ways to do things, new ways to expand your business. You actually bring a richness to your business that you would never get if you only hired people that had “normal” employment history . . . You’ll be surprised. There’s a sense of worthiness, belonging, “I can do this,” and I feel like I am a part of something bigger, and that pays off in so many ways. Your business is so much richer, and people will celebrate and support you. The benefits far outweigh any negative.
One warning she shared for employers was to be mindful of the hours and pay for people with disabling conditions who might be receiving disability assistance. There is a limit to how much they can work and how much they can make. This is a very real challenge for those who are motivated to work – they are, at times, penalized for doing so by losing their benefits even though the amount they make wouldn’t be considered a liveable wage.
Heather emphasized throughout the conversation the diversity of disability. There may be good days and bad days – on the good days, someone might work 5 hours consistently over several days; on bad days, that one 5-hour shift could knock them out for a week. She called for focusing on low-barrier employment opportunities, where people aren’t penalized for inconsistent and unpredictable conditions. Instead, people are compensated for their work and not threatened with taking away their safety net.
Wendy is an older employee in a small rural community who utilizes mobility aids in her work and home life. She believes that lived experience is just as valuable as a formal education, and it has led her to where she is today. She is someone who perseveres when things get hard and believes in positivity.
Wendy is sharing her story as an individual employee with a disabling condition as she sees her situation as quite common for older workers.
There are probably hundreds of people in my situation where they are older, who don’t have the schooling or opportunity to get the schooling that we need to get a decent paying job. We are looking at jobs that are more like working in restaurants, but with age also comes issues of mobility . . . that type of job is not there for me, I just can’t do it. I think that there is a lot of other people out there in the same situation.
Wendy hopes to help others know that they aren’t alone in their struggle to find employment and that success can come in time. When we first met Wendy, she was really struggling to find viable options and feeling quite hopeless. By the time we interviewed her for this project, things had really turned the corner and she’s found something that fits for her.
It’s only a couple of days a week, and it’s only half a day, but it’s still work ... I’ve made a big personal change since I last saw you and it feels good.
Wendy emphasized how important it was for employers to recognize that individuals may not need a piece of paper from a school, college, or university to show they are capable – they might be fully capable or perhaps even more capable than degree holders. For older workers, a high school diploma was simply not needed to engage fully in the workforce when they first entered in their youth. You didn’t need it to make a living wage. Wendy shared that a lot of older workers just don’t have the education that employers are seeking today, but they do have a lot of life experiences that are just as valuable.
They need to start giving us a chance to prove ourselves instead of just looking past us. A lot of the time it’s life experience and it’s what we have learned throughout the years of being out there. Back when we were in school, you didn’t even need Grade 10 to get a job . . . Now they are saying you need university, and our generation just didn’t have that. We didn’t need that. So, a lot of us don’t have that. But we do have a lot of life experience.
And Wendy’s experiences were plentiful. She’s worked in fine dining and catering, she’s been a bus driver, she’s worked with adults with disabling conditions, and even served in the military. In none of these instances did she have post-secondary education. For her, as with other job seekers, luck plays a role.
It’s all just been luck of the draw, I guess, that I’ve gotten the jobs when I got them.
Wendy’s condition is degenerative – it didn’t start out severely. Over time, as she awaits medical interventions to address the issue, she’s noticed the way people interact with her.
Sometimes with a disability, people look down on you. You can start feeling that people don’t respect you. They figure you just don’t know. Not that you are stupid, but that you aren’t capable of doing what a “normal” person can do. It can be a hindrance.
Getting the chance to prove herself in her current role was a big step for Wendy. This started as a volunteering role and when the employee running the program decided she was moving out of the province, her employer needed someone to step in. Wendy thought to herself: “Who wants to come to a small rural community? Noone!”
So, they said, they would give me a chance. That is part of the problem with being in a small rural community, no one wants to be here; no one wants to move here. So, I don’t know that if I was in a bigger community, if I would have been given this job. But I did land it. It feels great and I am really pleased with what I have done so far. I have actually brought on two new clients.
When asked what contributed to her success, Wendy shared how working with employment agencies, taking courses, and getting herself out there in the community were all important aspects. Her perseverance also played an important role. She shared how attributes like keeping an open mind, thinking positively, and being persistent really are essential; otherwise, you’ll just get down on yourself.
A lot of it had to do with myself and I’m not willing to give up. There had to be something out there somewhere, and I just had to keep trying and trying and I just wouldn’t give up . . . and I finally found something. I think that’s a lot of it.
Wendy shared the need, however, for more supports for older workers. Luckily, Wendy was able to attend training in her community, but she recognized that this wasn’t the case for everyone. Driving, especially at night, for her was a challenge. She called for shifting opinions about what older workers can do.
They need to make things more available for us, for seniors. Make them understand, we can work ‘til whatever age now, there is no age limit, and a lot of us need to continue working ‘til who knows how old we get. And not always due to our own fault. It could be other external circumstances that have put us in that financial situation where we have to keep working.
For job seekers, she recommended getting connected with your community services and organizations. There were many resources she utilized that she didn’t even realize existed.
When you start reaching out, you are finding that there is some support out there. There isn’t a lot, but there is some. It’s geared more towards the younger people, but it’s becoming more and more available for people with disabilities as well as older workers. The advantage to being in a small community is that resources are tightly connected and as my needs were met. I was led from one organization to the next. Everyone knows everyone and there are some really good connections there.
Wendy seems to have weathered the storm and is absolutely loving her new employer. In her opinion, the people she’s working with are fantastic. She’s doing the kind of work she loves to do and that’s been affirming.
To know that you are making a difference in someone’s life, a positive difference, is the big thing. That is part of the payment.
Story gathering served as the basis for the Diversity Disconnect project that inspired this resource. Reflecting on the stories above and gathering your own stories can be a helpful exercise to deepen your understanding as you seek to challenge your assumptions, craft your vision for the future, and bridge the disconnect between individuals, workplaces, and communities.
As an individual with a disabling condition:
As a workplace seeking to employ those with disabling conditions:
As a community representative working with individuals and/or workplaces
You may find the following interview prompts helpful for yourself or others as you begin to consider exploring stories of success.
Why is it important to share your story now? |
What impact do you hope to create? |
Tell us a bit more about yourself and your context in relation to the employment of individuals with disabling conditions. |
What was a key success you achieved? |
What are some factors that supported this success? (These may include internal traits/characteristics or external resources/supports.) |
Why were these particularly helpful? |
What was missing? What do you wish was present? |
What is one lesson you learned along your journey? |
What advice would you give to someone in a similar situation? |
Far too often we think of differences as challenges to be overcome or problems to be solved. Within this toolkit of resources, we will challenge you – as an individual with a disabling condition or a workplace / community supporting those with disabling conditions – to shift your thinking.
