Barriers and Opportunities in the Employment Inclusion of People with Disabilities. A Qualitative Analysis ofEmployers’ and People with Disabilities’ Perspectives

Abstract

Despite a greater emphasis on workplace inclusion standards, employment inclusion for people with disabilities (PwD) continues to be a major concern. From the perspectives of employers and PwD, this study investigates the opportunities and barriers that shape the professional experiences of PwD. The study employed a qualitative approach, using open-ended questions in a questionnaire to collect data. Ten employers and eight people with various disabilities (visual, hearing, and physical) comprised the 18 research participants. A variety of barriers to workplace inclusion were identified in the thematic analysis, including physical accessibility, stereotypes, a lack of institutional support, and some confusion about the required workplace modifications. Participants also noted various methods to increase the degree of inclusion, including flexible work schedules, continuous professional training for organizations and PwD, counseling, and increased organizational awareness of disabilities. These results suggest a gap between the official pledges to inclusivity and the realities of the workplace. To establish organizational settings that effectively promote the participation and professional development of PwD, the research emphasizes the need for integrated efforts across organizational, educational, and public policy levels.