Opportunities Beyond Barriers: Colleen Hayes’ Journey in the Bio-economy

Opportunities Beyond Barriers: Colleen Hayes’ Journey in the Bio-economy

Success in the workplace often comes down to perspective. Some focus on barriers; others recognize opportunities. For Colleen Hayes, a professional who is blind and thriving in the bioscience sector, her journey has been about demonstrating how accessibility is not just a challenge to overcome but an asset that drives innovation and inclusion.

Colleen’s path to the bio-economy wasn’t a traditional one.

“I transitioned into the bioscience sector in 2017 when I joined BioTalent Canada,” she recalls. “Prior to that, I had graduated with a psychology degree and worked in sales and marketing — my first introduction to the bioscience sector came more as a coincidence as a result of my role in advertising sales for a Canadian biotechnology industry publication.”

What started as a chance encounter turned into a meaningful career.

“I started with BioTalent Canada as an Outreach Representative where my primary role was to engage with bioscience organizations to share news of funding programs available to help support their hiring and ultimately, company growth,” she explains.

Over time, that role evolved, and she now leads BioTalent Canada’s dedicated Outreach team while also serving as Chair of the organization’s IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility) Committee.

 Breaking Barriers in the Workplace

Unlike many in the bioscience sector, Colleen did not face accessibility barriers tied to laboratory work, but she still had adjustments to make.

“As my position was outside of a traditional bioscience role, such as lab work, I really faced few challenges related to my disability,” she says. “As a blind individual who uses screen-reading software to access and engage with information, I was already proficient in using the technology.”

The challenge wasn’t so much about her ability to do the job but rather ensuring a smooth transition into a new industry.

“During the interview process, management proactively inquired about my preferred accommodations should I be selected, and shared relevant materials with me prior to my start date, ensuring I felt prepared,” she shares. “I appreciated their commitment to supporting my smooth transition, and I was equally open and transparent about the adjustments that would help me succeed.”

Advocating for Inclusion and Awareness

Colleen quickly became a champion for accessibility within her workplace, not just for herself but for others who might encounter similar barriers.

“I’ve always been open about my disability and actively encourage questions from my colleagues to help foster better understanding and ensure I receive the appropriate support,” she explains.

Her approach was hands-on. She took the opportunity to demonstrate how her screen-reading software works, allowing the team to hear what she hears, which provided more insight into the tools she uses to navigate digital environments.

Colleen also led an exercise in which team members blindfolded themselves and paired up with a sighted guide to walk through the office. This helped them experience firsthand what it feels like to navigate without sight, and it changed how her colleagues approached and understood accessibility.

“The team has even become mindful of external documents and websites, noting any materials that appear to be inaccessible,” she adds. “This heightened awareness has fostered an inclusive and supportive work environment, which in turn has positively impacted our overall success and collaboration.”

Changing Employer Misconceptions

A major roadblock to accessibility in the workplace is employer hesitation.

“One common misconception I’ve encountered is that employers believe accommodating employees with disabilities is a costly and overwhelming process,” she notes. “In reality, many accommodations are simple, cost-effective, and can be tailored to individual needs.”

She emphasizes that hiring individuals with disabilities is not a risk but a strategic advantage.

“Persons with disabilities are typically highly dedicated, resourceful and committed to delivering results,” she says. “Employees with disabilities often have solutions in mind and can provide guidance on how best to support them.”

A Workplace That Leads by Example

For BioTalent Canada, inclusion was already embedded in the culture, but Colleen’s presence helped reinforce that commitment.

“From my perspective, I’ve always felt that BioTalent Canada has been inclusive, even when we were just a small team of seven,” she says. “While there is now a greater awareness of my specific circumstances and needs, senior leadership has always been supportive and invested in every team member’s success.”

She believes small steps can make a big impact in improving accessibility in the bioscience sector.

“Employers should not fear the ‘not knowing’ — simply asking, ‘How can I best help?’ demonstrates a genuine commitment to accessibility,” she explains. “This little step forward can translate to huge impacts.”

The Value of Hiring for Talent, Not Assumptions

Beyond inclusivity, Colleen highlights the opportunity for the bioscience sector to recognize the potential of diverse talent pools. Employers within the sector should first recognize the talented, highly educated candidates with disabilities who are actively searching for opportunities to bring skills and innovation to an organization.

The real advantage, she notes, is the unique way employees with disabilities approach problem-solving.

“The adaptive strategies developed to navigate everyday challenges often lead individuals to approach any problem, big or small, with creativity and innovation,” she explains. “This ‘out of the box’ thinking allows employees with disabilities to offer fresh perspectives that can drive growth and efficiency.”

For employers looking to build a more inclusive workforce, the key takeaway is simple: hiring persons with disabilities isn’t about filling quotas — it’s about investing in people who bring resilience, creativity, and unique perspectives to the workplace.

To learn more about how the EnAbling Change program is helping create a more inclusive bio-economy, visit biotalent.ca.