A director with the Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work is addressing what he calls “misconceptions” employers have about hiring persons with disabilities.

Jeffrey Normore believes that, with an estimated 700,000 skilled trades workers set to retire in Canada over the next couple of years, a solution to that labour shortage is hiring workers with disabilities.

One common misconception, Normore believes, is the cost of accommodating.

He says the majority of accessibility supports have no cost associated. When there is a cost, he says it is on average between $350 and $500. However, he notes that is a one time cost, and when employers make that investment they see the retention of that employee.

Another issue Normore wants to address is around productivity.

He says there is a misconception that people with a disability aren’t as productive, but what research shows is that with the right supports those people can meet the same productivity levels as their coworkers who don’t have a disability.