Compas Poll: Canadians Will Reward Businesses that Priroritize Accessibility

The topic of accessibility for people with disabilities was the focus of a telephone survey conducted by COMPAS Research in September and October 2008 on behalf of the Job Opportunity Information Network (JOIN). JOIN is a network of 24 organizations that help people with disabilities find work and employers to tap into this often hidden talent pool.

COMPAS researchers spoke to more than 600 Canadians from coast to coast. The survey examined issues related to people with disabilities. Canadians overwhelmingly demonstrated their desire to see more accessibility for people with disabilities across the country, the majority of which would rather frequent a business that was considered accessible versus one that is not. This presents a strong business case for employers across the country, and especially in Ontario, as they prepare to meet the province of Ontario’s 2025 accessibility deadline. Canadians also stressed that companies should view the priority of improving accessibility for people with disabilities as important as efforts to protect the environment.

The details of the survey results found below bring to life some of the key issues related to Canadians’ desire for more accessibility and their perception of issues related to people with disabilities.

Accessibility: it's on our radar

Canadians seem to have a heightened awareness of accessibility issues and people
with disabilities due to personal experience.

24% of respondents had a disability, 47% had someone in their immediate
or extended family with a disability.

62% had a friend, neighbour, co-worker or knew someone they saw at least
once or twice a year with a disability.

66% of Ontarians were aware of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, versus 34 % who were not.

Balance: the environment and people

Canadians believe that businesses should put as much effort into helping ensure accessibility for people with disabilities as they seem to be putting towards helping the environment.

27% of Canadians felt that, in recent years, companies have put the most effort into protecting the environment. That compares to 16% who said companies put the most effort into accommodating customers and employees with disabilities.

34% felt supporting people with disabilities should be the priority for companies. That compares to 33 % who believe the environment should be the priority.

By a 10 to 1 margin, citizens felt society gives too low a priority to removing barriers to allow individuals with disabilities full community participation and the opportunity to reach their potential.

Benefits to business

In uncertain economic times, Canadians want to see more investment in accessibility. This presents an interesting business case for accessibility and diversifying the workplace. For one, there is a widespread sentiment that a person with a disability would be more loyal to their employer than your typical employee. Secondly, Canadians are demonstrating a willingness to reward businesses that place a priority on accessibility.

86% of respondents believe a person with a disability would be ‘a lot’ to ‘somewhat’ more than average in terms of loyalty to an employer. Especially when the employer has taken measures to ensure their employee has equal opportunity to work and contribute their skills and abilities. For your information, there are statistics showing that this is, indeed, very true.

47% of respondents thought an employee with a disability would be more understanding and more motivated than average in addressing customer concerns.

+70% When given individual scenarios of a person with a disability in the workplace, more than 70% of respondents felt a person with a disability would be just as competent, if not better than average, at their job.

In addition to this clear message Canadians are sending, it is also worthwhile to consider that accessibility efforts often result in a universal design measure that makes your workplace more appealing to everyone. Think of how much people appreciate an automatic door when they have their hands full of groceries or are pushing stroller…or how less stressful it is getting to an important meeting when surrounded by clear, well-placed signage…or how much a decent menu font size is appreciated when glasses are left at home.

If you own a business or know someone who does, and are interested in learning more about how CPA Ontario Employment Services can increase your accessibility and meet Ontario’s 2025 accessibility deadline, please contact Denise Coughtrey, ES Manager, at
416.422.5644, ext.228. CPA Ontario offers accessibility assessments and other services that can be tailored to meet the needs of your workplace. We also provide a
free hiring solution for employers looking to enrich their workplace through diversity and recruit talented, reliable and dedicated employees.

CPA Ontario Employment Services also provides employment services for people with disabilities looking for work or requiring assistance with keeping their job. For more information on CPA Ontario Employment Services please contact Jenya Zukershtein at 416.422.5644 ext.245, or e-mail jenya.zukershtein[at]cpaont.org