The Information Gap and Other Issues Facing Job Seekers with Disabilities in Durham Region

The first research project was completed in June 2003, which provided us with an extensive amount of information about the current employment system serving job seekers with disabilities. It identified gaps and needs in the current service system and provided much more detail on our target group. DREN collected statistical data from 21 employment service organizations, funders, educators, community agencies and persons with disabilities.

The biggest gap faced by job seekers with disabilities and their families was information. “Confusing, contrary and concealed” were the words used to describe their experiences with both the income and employment service systems.

Based upon the key findings in the study, DREN is working on solutions to address access to information and a best approach to navigate the system.  A 1-Stop Shop for Disability Info page is now available on our website.  It contains a variety of resources for persons with disabilities including job resources, community service information, vocabulary guide and information on assistive devices.  We are currently developing an 'Ability Guide'.  This brochure will be available to the Durham community in the early fall and will contain information on community services in Durham and process maps to navigate the system.

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