Learning and Impact: The ACE Journey So Far

In April 2023, Sea Change CoLab launched the Accessibility Confident Employers (ACE) Project, with funding from the Government of Canada’s Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities. ACE aims to build the capacity of Nova Scotian employers to address accessibility barriers, and enhance recruitment, hiring, retention, and advancement practices.

We’re at the half-way point of the project, and we want to share the significant strides we’re making and the insights we’re gathering. Our mission is to engage employers in improving? The project impacts to date are both promising and enlightening. We’ve engaged more than 540 individuals through eleven learning events. These events ranged from foundational workshops on accessibility and allyship to specialized skill builders on accessible recruitment and plain language.

Positive Feedback and Successes

Our participants are sharing that the training sessions have profoundly impacted their understanding and implementation of accessibility. Quotes from attendees reflect a deep appreciation for the blend of information and personal stories from people with disabilities:

• The training offered a mix of general information and real-world experiences that helped me understand and address barriers effectively.
• I’m now more aware of my biases and feel better equipped to engage in difficult conversations about accessibility.”
• Disability is not a barrier to success; it is a variation of the human experience.
• These videos did a great job at demonstrating how intersectionality and disability are a social justice issue rather than the old medical model.
• People have this idea that the mobility device a person may use is the barrier, when it’s actually our physical environment, systems, and attitudes that cause barriers.
• The digital accessibility toolkit will be very useful for upcoming communications!
• The inclusion of lived experience content and interactive elements was particularly valued, making the learning experiences more engaging and impactful.

Despite the successes, we’re always listening to employers to improve our offerings. Employers across private, public, and impact (non-profit) sectors are stretched for time. They want choice and flexibility in how and when they learn to accommodate varying schedules and learning preferences. We now offer a range of training, from self-paced virtual, to monthly skill builders, to in-person events. Participants also shared the need for varying levels of content. Some need introductory material, while others are ready for deeper engagement on specific topics.?

Looking Ahead

As we move into our second year, we’re committed to building on our achievements and addressing the challenges identified. Our priorities include:

• Developing a Robust Resource Hub: We’ve launched an ACE Home Page and a searchable Resource Hub on our website to centralize valuable resources.?
• Expanding Our Network: We aim to strengthen our connections with private sector organizations and industry associations to broaden our impact.
• Producing More Content: Building on the success of our Accessibility Ally Podcast, and current training offerings, we’re excited to produce more content on accessibility-confident leadership, organization-wide accessibility, and more.

ACE aims to make a difference by creating full and equitable access to employment for persons with disabilities in Nova Scotia. By building awareness, providing targeted training, and fostering peer-to-peer networking, we can drive meaningful change and create more inclusive workplaces.

The first half of the project has been a journey of learning, growth, and collaboration. We’re eager to continue this work, making strides towards a more accessible and inclusive future for everyone in Nova Scotia. Prepare for accessibility standards and new employees with Breaking Barriers: The Art of Inclusive Hiring, an online, self-paced course, which runs from October 3rd to October 24th. For shorter, impactful learning, join one of our 2-hour skill builders: Accessible Meetings and Events, Recruitment and Hiring, and Plain Language. For a full day of learning, we are hosting 360 Accessibility at the Truro NSCC Campus October 30th! Subscribe to our bi-weekly newsletter to stay up to date on ACE Trainings!