Core Values
Our organizational values were selected to represent a comprehensive, human-centered approach to tackling systemic career barriers faced by people with disabilities and chronic health conditions. They emphasize not only the need for legislative and policy change, but also the importance of community-building, empowerment, and inclusivity in creating a truly accessible and equitable workforce in Canada.
“Not Without Us!”
Collaboration and Partnership
Building strong relationships with people with lived experience, employers, government agencies, non-profit organizations, community groups, and academia. By working together, we can collectively address the systemic barriers that prevent people with disabilities and chronic health conditions from accessing and maintaining meaningful employment at the “mid to senior” career levels. This includes executives, non-managers, those who are in career transitions, all occupations and sectors.
Empowerment
Fostering self-determination and agency among people at the mid to senior career levels who have disabilities and chronic health conditions; supporting them to advocate for their own needs, access resources, and pursue their career goals with confidence and autonomy.
Inclusion and Accessibility
Prioritizing inclusivity and accessibility in all workplace environments, both physical and digital; working to ensure that experienced mid to senior level individuals with disabilities, regardless of age or role, have equal opportunities to succeed. We are dedicated to eliminating career barriers and fostering workspaces where everyone is valued, supported, and given equal opportunities to contribute, lead, and thrive in their professional journeys.
Equity and Social Justice
Advancing equity and social justice by addressing and working to dismantle structural and societal barriers, including ageism and ableism, that prevent individuals with disabilities at the mid to senior levels from accessing leadership opportunities, career growth, and participation in the workforce.
Respect for Dignity and Rights
Acknowledging the inherent dignity of all individuals and respecting their rights to work, contribute to society, and live free from discrimination based on disability.
Innovation and Adaptability
Recognizing that the needs of individuals with disabilities and chronic health conditions at the mid to senior levels vary, and demonstrating a willingness to adopt creative, flexible solutions to address employment barriers, including through adaptive technologies and innovative workplace practices.
Accountability and Transparency
Ensuring that Breaking925 — including its Board and volunteers, and extending to partners when partnership agreements exist — is accountable for the commitments made, the impact achieved, and the ethical conduct demonstrated in working toward disability inclusion in the workforce.
Leadership and Influencing
Leading by example and influencing at local, provincial, and national levels to advance policies, practices, and legislation that support people with disabilities at the mid to senior levels to continue or re-enter the workforce.
Community and Belonging
Building a sense of community among people with disabilities at the mid to senior levels by creating a support network where individuals can share experiences, resources, and strategies for overcoming barriers. Whenever possible, fostering a culture where persons with disabilities and older persons belong and are valued in workplaces and broader society.
Sustainability
Working toward sustainable change that will have a lasting impact on the employment landscape for people with disabilities at the mid to senior levels. This includes regularly reviewing and assessing efforts to address career barriers, and adapting to meet the needs of mid to senior level professionals with disabilities and chronic health conditions as they evolve over time.
Our Core Values could be operationalized in many ways!
Here are examples:
Inclusion and Accessibility would manifest in accessible job search platforms, inclusive employer training programs, and workplace accommodations for employees.
Equity and Empowerment would be reflected in programs designed to provide individualized support for people with disabilities, such as mentorship or coaching for career development.
Collaboration and Partnership would be demonstrated through partnerships with other organizations, both public and private, to promote policy changes and raise awareness.
Social Justice would underpin advocacy efforts, ensuring that the nonprofit is always working towards creating fair and just employment opportunities for everyone, regardless of ability.