Research summary: Supports for persons with learning disabilities
Official title: Skills and employment supports for persons with learning disabilities
Authors of the report: Dr Emile Tompa and Emma Irvin
Alternate formats
Supports for persons with learning disabilities [PDF - 275 KB]
Large print, braille, MP3 (audio), e-text and DAISY formats are available on demand by ordering online or calling 1 800 O-Canada (1-800-622-6232). If you use a teletypewriter (TTY), call 1-800-926-9105.
Why this study
This study examines how to improve employment of people with learning disabilities. It reviews practices that help them find and keep jobs.
What we did
The study has four goals:
- examine what learning disabilities are
- provide information on how they are diagnosed
- summarize ways to help people with learning disabilities in jobs
- recommend ways to improve their labour market outcomes
What we found
Identifying learning disabilities is difficult because they are often confused with other learning conditions.
1.7 million people in Canada have learning disabilities.
- This increased from 15% to 18% between 2017 and 2022.
There are many ways to help people with learning disabilities. For example:
- helping them identify personal learning styles
- offering both basic skills training and practical learning
- using different teaching methods
- developing educational plans
Some people with learning disabilities have extra barriers in employment.
What it means
This study makes recommendations in seven areas:
- early diagnosis and support
- inclusive training systems
- school-to-work transition
- volunteering opportunities
- inclusive workplaces
- empowered employment strategies
- community inclusion
Contact us
For access to the full report, please contact us using the email address below.
Skills and Employment Branch, Labour Market Information Directorate, Policy Research Analysis and Geomatics Division
Email: esdc.nc.sspb.research-recherche.dgpss.cn.edsc@esdc-edsc.gc.ca