Persons with disabilities (PWD) have historically been under-represented in the Canadian workforce. They face more barriers to employment than "abled" people do, as the result of conditions such as: lack of employer education in the area of disability awareness, lack of equity programs in the desired workplace, lack of accommodations or modifications in order to meet job expectations, or the PWD’s disability poses unavoidable limitations.

Advocacy and self-advocacy are empowering tools in educating the public, employers, and persons with disabilities themselves about disability issues. Through advocacy, commonly-held myths and misconceptions about disability can be replaced with accurate information and fresh, open-minded perspectives.

The skilled trades industry presents many barriers for youth with disabilities who wish to enter that workforce. As a response, the YAST Project wishes to encourage youth with disabilities (YWDs) to learn more about advocacy and self-advocacy. In this section, you will find information about social and employer attitudes, and stories about those who advocate for persons with disabilities. This section also talks about the barriers that PWDs may face while searching for employment, and self-advocacy techniques for PWDs to use so they may present themselves to employers with the full strength of their capabilities and confidence.