Job Seekers with Musculoskeletal or Sensory Disabilities: Barriers and Facilitators of Job Search

Abstract

Drawing on interviews with job seekers and expert informants, we outline a model of the job search experience of people with disabilities. This model specifies the sequence of events involved in the pursuit of paid work and the contextual features that inhibit or facilitate job search attitudes, behaviours, intermediate search outcomes and employment outcomes. By contrasting the experiences of job seekers with musculoskeletal and sensory disabilities, and outlining the influence of major stakeholders in the form of employment agencies and family members, our model provides the basis for a more nuanced understanding of the job search process. Finally, we recommend points of intervention that are grounded in data for improving job search outcomes for people with disabilities in general, and for job seekers with musculoskeletal or sensory disabilities specifically.

Job-Search Activities, Job-Seeking Barriers, and Work Experiences of Transition-Age Youths With Visual Impairments

“…Essentially, nearly a third of participants’ job searches did not progress beyond the application stage. Getting no response after submitting applications could adversely affect job-search self-efficacy (Bainbridge & Fujimoto, 2018) and make it difficult for youths to evaluate their efforts and progress. Participants’ preparation to handle job-seeking barriers may serve as a protective factor by promoting continued job-search efforts following rejection or setbacks (van Ryn & Vinokur, 1992).…”

“…Job-seeking facilitators for people with disabilities included goal setting, personal networks, constructive feedback, encouragement, accessible information, transportation access, and job-search training (Bainbridge & Fujimoto, 2018). Job-search training has also been identified as an employment facilitator for people with visual impairments (Silverman et al, 2019).…”

“…Job-seeking is an intentional, dynamic, self-regulated, goal-directed process that involves a series of activities directed toward obtaining employment (Bainbridge & Fujimoto, 2018; Kanfer et al, 2001; Wanberg et al, 2020). Job-search behaviors typically follow a sequential progression (Barber et al, 1994; Blau, 1994; Saks & Ashforth, 2000), including preparatory and active phases (Blau, 1994).…”

“…The preparatory phase encompasses planning and gathering information about job leads from various sources, and the active phase involves applying and interviewing for jobs (Blau, 1994). Job-seekers with and without disabilities progress through a similar sequence of activities; however, people with disabilities experience this process in fundamentally different ways and encounter unique barriers and facilitators (Bainbridge & Fujimoto, 2018).…”

Short-Term Effectiveness of Job Search Skills Training: Comparisons by Summer Work Experience Participation

“…We contend that a more beneficial use of staff resources would involve teaching and supporting youth to find their own jobs or sponsored work placements. As youth gain more experience and progress through their job search, the role of professionals can shift to encouragement, which helps job-seekers handle rejection and maintain a positive attitude (Bainbridge & Fujimoto, 2018). The experience of finding their own jobs will foster youths’ competence and confidence, and prepare them for future job search success.…”