Introduction to Demand-Side Factors Related to Employment of People with Disabilities

Abstract

Introduction Demand-side employment research can play an important role in advancing the knowledge base of occupational rehabilitation. Research contributes to theory building and provides the foundation for empirically supported interventions that can improve the returnto-work success of injured workers and/or the overall labor force participation rate of people with disabilities. Methods In this article, we present our rationale for developing this special section on demand-side factors related to employment of people with chronic illness and disability. We discuss the important relationship between employer practice factors and hiring and retention of people with chronic illness and disability. We highlight in this paper some of the exciting new findings reported in the articles contained in this special section as well as some recent demand-side employment and disability research. Conclusion We intend for this special section to stimulate thinking and discussion about Incorporating demand-side strategies in vocational rehabilitation and return-to-work interventions for people with disabilities and work injuries.

Disability Diversity Training in the Workplace: Systematic Review and Future Directions

“…At this point, researchers have done much more to document negative employer attitudes than develop strategies to change these attitudes [3,53,69,70]. It is likely that lasting improvements in the employment of people with disabilities will require alternatives to the traditional approach of increasing employability of people with disabilities, including reducing stigma toward hiring and retaining people with disabilities [14,71]. Disability diversity trainings provide a potential approach for addressing the employer misconceptions and concerns that cause some employers to view disability as difference rather than diversity.…”

Workers with a chronic disease and work disability

“…Up to now little attention has been paid to the motivations, interests and concerns of employers or managers [46]. Research on demandside factors related to hiring and keeping workers with disabilities shows some posi tive attitudes to workers with a chronic condition, but also ambivalence about their productivity [47]. More research is urgently needed on the opinions and attitudes of owners of small and mediumsized enterprises, and the supervisors, managers, HR advisors and CEOs of large companies.…”

Leveraging Employer Practices in Global Regulatory Frameworks to Improve Employment Outcomes for People with Disabilities

“…Traditionally, scholars have studied disability employment inequalities from the viewpoint of the individual, particularly focusing on the medical, educational, psychological, and vocational factors that affect a person's work-related functioning and job skills (Chan, Strauser, Gervey, & Lee, 2010). On the other hand, scholars describe individual rights primarily in relation to governmental action and enforcement.…”