Category: Community

Making a room look nice takes a lot of work. Interior decorators might plan the colours and designs, but sometimes, other people do the work to make it all come together. Paper hangers are a big part of this process. Working as paper hangers lets people be part of something creative while enjoying the benefits of being in a trade.

Working as a paper hanger is not as simple as it might seem. Sometimes, it involves using tools to scrape a layer of wallpaper or paint off the walls first. The next step is mixing glue and putting it on the walls. Sometimes, wallpaper already has glue on one side, and then the worker just has to get it wet and put it on the walls.

Depending on the pattern on the wallpaper and the design of the room, this step might be very easy or very difficult. Paper hangers measure each wall and cut the paper to fit as exactly as possible. In a room with four straight walls, this could be easy, but the difficulty comes when a room has a lot of short sections that need different lengths of wallpaper. Keeping the room from looking patched together can be difficult in these cases.

Lining up the designs on wallpaper can also be a challenge. Since each piece of wallpaper is only a metre or two wide, paper hangers need to match up the designs so that they look even. This can be very easy or quite challenging.

Work as a paper hanger is physically difficult, with a lot of bending and stretching. In hot rooms, it can be very hard to handle the materials. Still, paper hanging is an indoor job that people can do at any time of the year. The busiest times are likely to be in the summer and fall construction seasons, but customers might choose to get their rooms redone even in the middle of the winter.

Being able to deal with the public is useful, especially for paper hangers working alone or in small companies. Mathematical skills are also necessary to calculate how much wallpaper is necessary for a project. Training in interior design is also useful, although usually other people do the initial planning. Still, knowing what looks good in different types of rooms can help paper hangers more effectively with their customers.

The best way to learn how to be a paper hanger is to study painting and decorating at a trade college and then to get into an apprenticeship. This process could take about three years of classroom work and on-the-job training. Certification might be necessary for some jobs.

Generally, paper hangers earn between about $19 and $36 per hour, and their job prospects depend on the amount of construction in the area. Bigger cities are likely to have more jobs but also more competition, and paper hangers can sometimes find enough work in smaller cities and towns. This type of job is generally not for older people, but it can be a good career for many years.

Bibliography:

Career Planner. “Paperhangers.” https://job-descriptions.careerplanner.com/Paperhangers.cfm.

College of Trades. “Painter and Decorator—Commercial and Residential.”  https://www.collegeoftrades.ca/wp-content/uploads/TFS_Painter_Decorator_CR_Feb2016.pdf.

Glassdoor. “Wallpaper Hanger Salary.” https://www.glassdoor.ca/Salaries/wallpaper-hanger-salary-SRCH_KO0,16.htm.

Payscale Canada. “Painter and Decorator Hourly Rate.| https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Painter_And_Decorator/Hourly_Rate.

Study in Canada. “Painters and Decorators.” https://www.studyincanada.com/Careers/CareerProfile.aspx?CareerCode=7294pnt.

For most people, a job equals a paycheque every two weeks, which is used for the monthly obligations such as utility and credit card bill payments, phone and internet expenses, rent or mortgage, and online streaming services subscription dues. A paycheque also equals the finances needed to purchase tangible things such as food, groceries, clothing, and other expenses to support one’s hobby.

On the other hand, for people with disabilities, the bi-weekly paycheque is synonymous to all these things, but there’s a lot more than that. As an August 2018 article in The Globe and Mail emphasized, individuals with disabilities look forward to their paycheques because it signifies their full integration in the society and cements their value in the community.

While there are challenges you may face when it comes to employment opportunities, there are certain strategies to overcome these barriers. If you are an individual with a disability who is currently seeking employment, here are a few suggestions for a more successful job search:

Do a self-evaluation.

If you’re unsure of which type of job or work environment where you would best fit, you’ll need to take time to do a self-evaluation. This will streamline the job hunt process for yourself so you won’t find yourself all over the place. Look into your past work experience and your academic experience. If you received additional training, see which of those are worth practicing. It’s also important to truly immerse yourself into the employment market and make sure you keep that way for the long-term. Ask yourself vital questions like, “What tasks do you see yourself doing on a daily basis?” and “What type of workplace will get you excited enough for you to break your routine?”

Study the job market.

When you’re done with the self-evaluation, it’s time to research the job market and the possible opportunities that you can get into. Countless professions are suited for persons with disabilities like you. For instance, if you’ve realized you were a sort of a math whiz as a kid and you’ve taken a few accounting courses here and there, a role as an accountant can be in your future. If you have a natural ability to help people and you’re quite the chatterbox, a role as a customer service agent may be in the horizon.

Look into resources.

Applications are all done online now, so that makes things extremely convenient. However, if you’re unsure of how to go about the process, don’t be embarrassed to ask for help. There are employment centres that specifically provide assistance to job seekers with disabilities, and the counsellors or case workers can accommodate you to get your started on the application process, plus provide you with other resources such as resume and cover letter enhancements, printing, and workshops. They can also let you know of hiring events that particularly cater to individuals with disabilities so do ask them to keep you posted.

Focus on what you can offer.

Being self-aware is a good attitude. However, for a successful job hunting, you would need to focus on your strengths and set aside anything that you think would limit you. This doesn’t mean that you deny or avoid disclosing your disability as employers are legally obligated to provide you with accommodations.

Job hunting is often a taxing activity for anyone. However, ultimately it’s all about working hard and not giving up so you can attain the success you duly deserve.

SOURCES:

https://www.monster.ca/career-advice/article/best-jobs-disabilities

https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/5-tips-for-jobhunting-with-a-disability-hot-jobs

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-for-people-with-developmental-disabilities-a-job-is-more-than-a/

https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/5-tips-for-jobhunting-with-a-disability-hot-jobs

Early last April, Carla Qualtrough, the Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility, announced with the Social Development Partnerships Program–Disability Component (SDPP-D): a total amount of $18 million financial support over the course of three years will be made available for 28 organizations across the country to help Canadians with disabilities to integrate in societies through various activities, including employment.

This is certainly good news as it was not long ago when people of disabilities faced great challenges when it came to their employment needs. According to a 2014 report by Statistics Canada, there were 443,900 unemployed Canadians with disabilities that were fit to work but certain barriers and misapprehensions have prevented them from working. These barriers included physical ones such as lack of accessibility for people with disabilities in buildings.

While there’s still a long way to go, Canada is certainly on the right track to creating a more inclusive work environment for people with disabilities. Here is a look at a few of the nationally available job sources that people with disabilities can connect with for their employment needs:

Job Bank – Government of Canada

https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/report_note.do?cid=12207

One of the top job sources for people with disabilities is the Government of Canada Job Bank website. Here, one can easily sign up for Job Match, then create a profile, making sure to choose the option that they are an individual with disability. Once the profile is created, they can easily get alerts for jobs that match with their skills and qualifications. In addition, the website provides other useful information such as job market reports and details on the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities where they can acquire employment or self-employment to enhance their economic participation and independence.

Canadian Association for Supported Employment (CASE)

https://www.supportedemployment.ca/employers/

CASE was first introduced to the public in 1999 as an informal network of service providers and stakeholders who are fully committed to include persons with disabilities in the Canadian labour force through the facilitation of increased labour market participation and outcomes. Now, CASE is directed by its membership and a voluntary Board of Directors who represent almost every Canadian region. People with disabilities can connect with a CASE member in their respective area who then will provide them with job search assistance.

Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work (CCRW)

https://www.ccrw.org/

The CCRW is dedicated to providing job seekers with disabilities the tools and confidence to educate and market themselves, as well as promoting awareness for hiring qualified employees with disabilities. While the headquarters are located in the heart of Toronto, CCRW serves Canadians across the country. All one has to do is log onto the website and specify their location and they will be directed to various partnership resources in their area for job opportunities. Via the Job Accommodation Service or JAS, the CCRW also provides workplace accommodation assessments, presentations and workshops, and consulting services for employers to learn more about eliminating barriers – both individual and systemic –  in the workplace by offering practical workplace accommodation solutions and advice. Job seekers can also go directly to CCRW’s partner, Work Ink (https://www.workink.com/) for job postings and get their online applications started.

Bender Consulting Services

https://www.benderconsult.com/

While this organization’s main office is located in Pittsburgh, PA in the United States, it has a good presence across Canada as well. The organization has a database of over 27,000 candidates with disabilities seeking professional career opportunities which they match with their network of thousands of disability and academic institution partners. In addition, Bender also offers talent programs, training, consulting, and software solutions that focus on disability employment and inclusion value.

Now that you’ve learned about these sources to help you find the employment opportunity that best fits you, it’s time to get started on the resume and cover letter! Our website also has several articles about these items. Happy job hunting!

SOURCES:

https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/75-006-x/2014001/article/14115-eng.htm

https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/government-of-canada-announces-major-funding-for-projects-that-promote-the-social-inclusion-of-persons-with-disabilities-805264237.html

Organizer: Holland Bloorview

Title: WEBINAR: Inclusion, Disability Disclosure & Accommodations: Employers’ Perspectives

Category: Employment

Location: Toronto, Ontario

Date: April 25, 2019

Web site: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/inclusion-disability-disclosure-accommodations-employers-perspectives-tickets-53961124175?ref=enivtefor001&invite=MTYwNDk4MDEvZnJhbmsuc21pdGhAbmVhZHMuY2EvMA%3D%3D%0A&utm_source=eb_email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=inviteformalv2&utm_term=attend

Description: WEBINAR:Inclusion, Disability Disclosure & Accommodations: Employers’ Perspectives

April 25th, 2019: Date and Time

Thu, 25 April 2019

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EDT

 

Organizer: Alliance for the Equality of Blind Canadians

Title: Does accessibility equal inclusion? – Alliance for the Equality of Blind Canadians national conference

Category: Accessibility

Location: Ottawa, Ontario

Date: April 26, 2019

Web site: http://www.blindcanadians.ca/programs/conf/2019

Description: Does accessibility equal inclusion?

2019 Conference – Ottawa, ON – Does accessibility equal inclusion?

 

Organizer:York University’s Critical Disability Studies Student Association

Title: Bridging Narratives – York University’s Critical Disability Studies Student Association Conference

Category: Education

Location: Toronto, Ontario

Date: April 27, 2019

Web site: https://cdssa.wordpress.com/past-conferences/conference-2019/?fbclid=IwAR3b6N5Pk-I9tyS9WpV7kgsLx8NEqvuFat4UZ28QAt4A73UDirlLu289NRQ

Description: York University’s Critical Disability Studies Student Association is pleased to present our 13th annual conference, this year entitled Bridging Narratives.

Practicing gratitude is a great way to remain present, focused, and calm. There are various ways to practice gratitude, but all of them result in tremendously positive results.

One way to practice gratitude is to write down a list of the things you are grateful for. When doing this activity, you appreciate the things in your life, despite how big or small they might seem. You become grounded and are reminded that even if unfortunate experiences arise in your life, you can always reflect back on this list or create a new one to realize that you have many good things in your life to relish..

Another way to practice gratitude is to spend time with loved ones. This simple activity will make you feel relaxed and loved. By spending time with those you love, you may become joyful and grateful..

Lastly, another way you can practice gratitude is by listening to a guided gratitude meditation. You can listen to a podcast or a video where they bring you to the present and help you to become thankful for everything in your life. Research proves that people who practice gratitude have countless more benefits to themselves, their relationships, and in their lives.A few benefits of this activity include having lower blood sugar, a stronger immune system, better psychological health, steady sleep patterns, and much more. Therefore, there are many simple ways to practice gratitude that result in you ultimately having better psychological and physical health, leading to  a more positive life.

Sources:

1. https://blog.mindvalley.com/practice-gratitude/?utm_source=google
2. https://www.forbes.com/sites/amymorin/2014/11/23/7-scientifically-proven-benefits-of-gratitude-that-will-motivate-you-to-give-thanks-year-round/
3. https://www.forbes.com/sites/womensmedia/2016/07/08/8-ways-to-have-more-gratitude-every-day/#7720d6001d54

When crossing busy streets, especially near schools, you will often find a friendly man or woman with a brightly coloured vest and a stop sign helping people cross safely. They are called crossing guards, and they are a very important part of the community.

School crossing guards have the authority to control the traffic so that pedestrians can cross busy streets safely. Because of this authority, motorists and pedestrians must obey the crossing guard’s actions. However, that is the only authority they have. They do not have the power to arrest or give out traffic citations.

The average salary of a school crossing guard is $12.49 an hour, but only work around two to three hours a day or about 10 hours a week. But they also have paid holidays, PA (Professional Activity) days and on call pay. This all equals out to about $24,356 a year. With this they also get summers off, flexibility to their schedules and paid mileage. Some can get more hours and work at a number of different schools during the week if the opportunity is there. Mostly, this position is a part-time job and considered a great one if you are working as a freelancer or have another part time job aside from the crossing guard position.

The requirements to become a school crossing guard may vary depending on where you are looking to work. These are the requirements for crossing guards in Ontario, Canada: At the very least you will need a high school diploma or GED (General Education Diploma/Development). There is no exact experience needed for this job, and training is provided by the school district. However, much like other jobs, you should have some work experience to show you are reliable. And although it is not required, having a driver’s license will be helpful. It would also be beneficial to gain credentials like First Aid training. For more information on this job, you can ask your career counsellor at school and or do more research on the internet for age requirements and openings.

School crossing guards are an essential part of road safety for children and teens. We need them to help keep kids safe when arriving to, and leaving their schools.

Resources:

https://neuvoo.ca/salary/?job=crossing+guard

https://www.burlington.ca/en/services-for-you/crossing-guards.asp

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/government-job-profile-crossing-guard-1669673

The challenges that come about from physical and mental disabilities can be overwhelming. Life is hard for us all. But it is excruciatingly frustrating to struggle with tasks and activities that others can do with ease. Mental health challenges and physical impairments all come with their own unique weaknesses. Yet in every predicament lies opportunities. By finding the positives and strengths that exist within your own unique situation, you can utilize your disability as an asset instead of a hindrance.

Self-confidence is a challenge for many of us. The shadow of a disability lingering over oneself adds another daunting element to that challenge. Consider how you can describe your condition in a way that is simultaneously accurate and positive. This can help brush aside anxieties that come with including mention of your disability on social media, dating profiles, and cover letters. Bring that optimism to every job interview and first date. Nearly four million adults have disabilities that affect their day-to-day lives, and many have succeeded in various careers and ways of life.

When you are honest and positive with colleagues and friends, you enrich the relationships in your life. You can bring your unique life experience to the conversations with friends and the issues you face together. Those with limited physical mobility only need a computer and Internet access to write and edit for school group projects. Others with mental health challenges can have greater empathy and understanding for friends who are struggling. That can mean tackling the role of counsellor for a friend in need of help.

Once you are viewing yourself in a positive light and interacting positively with those around you, your life will continue to be enhanced. As you make your way through this world, numerous people will inevitably dwell on the potential disadvantages to your disability. It is crucial not to internalize that negative energy and let it fester within yourself. The world will benefit from what you have to offer. Assistive devices can help those with visual impairments, who can hone their other senses to focus on work in music, cooking, or radio announcing. People with hearing impairments can use their ability to focus in noisy environments to work in a loud industrial environment. You can raise awareness about your condition through volunteering or through a non-profit organization. When you shift your thinking in a positive direction, you can discover opportunities that you never would have considered otherwise.

We all faces challenges in our lives. A physical or mental disability can significantly add to the challenges we find in looking for work, meeting new people, and building a life. It takes effort and practice to use your disability as an opportunity and an asset. Think positively about yourself, treat others well, and be open to the many prospects around you. The body we are born with comes with its own unique set of benefits and negatives. Your disability is a part of your identity and your own unique story; it shapes your view of the world and how you choose to act. Start making it an asset and build your own path to success and happiness.

Sources:

Gower, James. “How to use your disability as a strength when applying for jobs.” The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/careers/2015/may/06/how-to-use-your-disability-as-a-strength-when-applying-for-jobs

Trade Schools, Colleges and Universities. “32 Appealing Jobs for People with Disabilities in Canada.” https://www.trade-schools.net/ca/articles/jobs-for-people-with-disabilities.asp

If you live in a city like Toronto or Vancouver, you might sometimes take subways or streetcars.  Have you ever thought about driving one of those vehicles? Working as a subway or streetcar operator could be a good choice for you.

In some ways, driving a subway or streetcar is easier than driving other vehicles because they run on tracks instead of going along the roads with cars and trucks. Still, driving these large vehicles requires skill. Most people in this job need at least a high school education. Knowing about electricity and being able to solve problems when something goes wrong is also very helpful. Studies in engineering or related fields can lead to good jobs in this field, and certification is necessary for some jobs.

Working conditions for subway and streetcar operators can vary. In some cases, working with passengers who might be angry or aggressive might be a part of the job, but sometimes the drivers have little or no contact with the public. Streetcars are normally above ground and might have to stop for bad conditions, but subways are normally underground.

Still, drivers have to be aware of potential dangers, such as a broken rail or another train coming along the track. If there are problems with the passengers, the operators might also need to alert the police or paramedics to take care of the problem. Streetcar operators, especially, can help other city workers watch for troubles, whether they see a broken water pipe or a crime taking place.

Being a streetcar or subway operator involves more than just driving a train along a track. Drivers have to learn to stop at the right place so that passengers can get on or off and be aware of their surroundings so that they know when to open and close the doors. If there are delays, accidents, or problems with the trains, they need to report these problems. Keeping to an exact schedule is very important because passengers depend on riding the trains to get to work or school on time.

In Canada, only Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver have subways, but Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Toronto have streetcar (or light rail) systems. If you live in another part of the country, you will need to move to one of these cities or to the United States to get work. Depending on where you go, salaries in these jobs begin at about $15 per hour and rise to about $33 per hour.

The work does not require a lot of strength, but it can be difficult to sit for hours and still to remain alert. Some people stay in this job for their entire careers, but others prefer to move to something less tiring as they get older. Normally, operators have to do shift work, which can also be tiring. The work can sometimes lead to other jobs, such as driving a school bus or leading a sightseeing tour.

Bibliography:

Bouw, Brenda. “I want to Be a Transit Driver. What will My Salary Be?” https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/careers/career-advice/life-at-work/i-want-to-be-a-transit-driver-what-will-my-salary-be/article18663170/.

 

Glassdoor.ca. “Toronto Transit Commission Salaries.” https://www.glassdoor.ca/Salary/TTC-Toronto-Transit-Commission-Salaries-E327306.htm.

Government of Canada. “Transit Operator – Transportation near Toronto, ON.”. https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/requirements/23334/22437.

Skilled Immigrant Info Centre. “Bus Drivers, Transit & Subway Operators.” https://pwp.vpl.ca/siic/guides/bus-drivers-transit-subway-operators/.

Organizer: Sarasvati Productions

Title: International Women’s Week Cabaret of Monologues

Category: Education

Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba

Date: March 9, 2019

Telephone: 204-586-2236

E-mail: associate@sarasvati.ca

Web site: www.sarasvati.ca

Description: Sarasvàti Productions is proud to present our annual event to celebrate International Women’s Week. This year’s theme is Here I Am, featuring an array of stories about embracing identity with pride and coming into one’s own. Monologues from playwrights across Canada, as well as performance pieces, will be featured in two public performances.

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Organizer: Carleton Disability Awareness Centre (CDAC)

Title: Carleton Disability Awareness Centre’s Annual Sex and Disability Workshop

Category: Education

Location: Ottawa, Ontario

Date: March 14, 2019

Web site: https://www.facebook.com/events/406706986751663/

Description: Carleton Disability Awareness Centre’s Annual Sex and Disability Workshop

Join us Thursday, March 14th for our annual sex and disability workshop with Venus Envy Ottawa from 5:30-7:00pm in CDAC (UC 424)!

This fun and interactive workshop is designed to stimulate conversation surrounding disability, relationships and sexuality, while providing students with the latest information on accessible sex toys and safe sex practices. All attendees will be entered in a draw to win a cordless Hitachi Magic Wand and more!

This is the next article in my series of articles outlining the financial assistance available to Canadian post-secondary students with disabilities. Every province will be covered and given their their own article in order to accurately reflect their own unique financial aid availability. Prince Edward Island will be the focus of this article.

The provincial government’s Department of Workforce and Advanced Learning administers among other programs, Student Financial Services. The Canadian and Prince Edward Island governments together provide student financial aid, with the latter responsible for processing and distributing the funding. Below, the first two are courtesy of the federal government and the third is unique to Prince Edward Island.

1. The Canada Student Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities

Eligible students with permanent disabilities may receive a maximum of $2,000 per academic year. This funding is meant to assist with paying for education-related expenses.

To be eligible, you must have been assessed to have a minimum of $1 in financial need; enrolled in either full-time or part-time studies; and provide evidence of physical or learning disability. Students with physical disabilities must submit a Permanent Disability Medical Form; this form can only be completed by a relevant health care professional. Students with learning disabilities must submit their psycho-educational assessment; these evaluations are must be performed by a registered psychologist. Note that Student Financial Services will only look at your application once the all medical documentation has been submitted and received.

2. The Canada Student Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities for Services and Equipment

Eligible students with permanent disabilities may receive a maximum of $8,000 per academic year. This funding is meant to assist with paying for services and equipment that allow students with disabilities to access post-secondary education.

The eligibility requirement is simple: in order to be eligible for this grant, you must have been approved to receive the Canada Student Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities.

The application process is a little less simple: wait until your general financial aid application has been reviewed and approved, then you will need to meet with your school’s accessibility services or disability coordinator. Together, you will determine what services and equipment will be needed for that academic year. The school must be involved because they will be the one receiving the cheque with funds to cover the requested services and equipment. However, it is your responsibility as the student to ensure all spending is accounted for; you must keep all receipts and send them to Student Financial Services. Should you have leftover funds that do not get used, they have to be paid back.

3. Prince Edward Island Severe Permanent Disability Benefit

This benefit is unique to Prince Edward Island. Having a severe permanent disability can mean the person cannot pursue further post-secondary education or join the workforce. If this reflects your circumstances and you have student loans, you can apply to have these loans terminated through this benefit, so you no longer have to pay them back.

In order to apply, you must first apply for approval for the Federal Severe Permanent Disability Benefit. Note that approval for this benefit ensures your federal student loans are voided. The next step is contact the provincial Student Financial Services and apply for the Prince Edward Island Several Permanent Disability Benefit. You must complete an application; part of this application requires evidence documenting your approval for the Federal Severe Permanent Disability Benefit. If you receive provincial approval, your provincial student loans will be cancelled—note that this approval means you may not apply for any student financial assistance in the future.

Prince Edward Island Student Financial Services provides students with disabilities access to two federal grants as well as a benefit that essentially turns previous loans into grants. The first two are available to students with disabilities across Canada while the last is available only in Prince Edward Island.

References:

1. https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/topic/grants-bursaries-and-awards
2. https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/workforce-and-advanced-learning/canada-student-grant-students-permanent-disabilities
3. https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/workforce-and-advanced-learning/services-and-equipment-grant-students-permanent
4. https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/workforce-and-advanced-learning/severe-permanent-disability-benefit