Relationship between use of technology and employment rates for people with physical disabilities in Australia: Implications for education and training programmes

Abstract

This study examined the impact of computer and assistive device use on the employment status and vocational modes of people with physical disabilities in Australia. A survey was distributed to people over 15 years in age with physical disabilities living in the Brisbane area. Responses were received from 82 people, including those with spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy. Of respondents 46 were employed, 22 were unemployed, and 12 were either students or undertaking voluntary work. Three-quarters of respondents used a computer in their occupations, while 15 used assistive devices. Using logistic regression analysis it was found that gender, education, level of computer skill and computer training were significant predictors of employment outcomes. Neither the age of respondent nor use of assistive software were significant predictors. From information obtained in this study guidelines for a training programme designed to maximize the employability of people with physical disabilities were developed.

Modifiable and non-modifiable factors associated with employment outcomes following spinal cord injury: A systematic review

“…Twelve investigated age as a continuous correlate, with 8 of these studies 14-21 finding a one-year increase in age was associated with a 2-4% decrease in odds of employment. Three studies [22][23][24] found no significant difference in odds of employment based on age. Three studies 8,25,26 investigated age as a dichotomous correlate, with two studies finding no significant difference in odds of employment between age groups and one finding a significant decrease in the likelihood of employment for those older than 55 years.…”

“…Twenty-one studies investigated sex as a correlate of employment, with ten 15,19,23,24,[26][27][28][29][30][31] finding no significant difference between males and females. Eleven studies 8,17,18,21,25,[32][33][34][35][36]42 found a significant difference in odds of employment based on sex, with eight finding higher odds in males.…”

“…Pflaum et al 20 found that a greater population employment rate was associated with an increased odds of employment, OR = 2.08 (95% CI, 1.74-2.48). Results from multivariate studies including assistive technology on employment were mixed; one study 38 found that assistive technology was associated with increased odds of employment, one 24 found no significant difference, and another 46 found that it was associated with a longer time to employment, HR = 0.31 (95% CI, 0.12-0.82).…”

“…Five studies investigated marital status, with four 15,20,22,27 of these finding that being married is associated with a 54-126% increase in odds of employment; the remaining study 19 found a non-significant result. Arango-Lasprilla et al 38 19 found that vocational counselling was associated with increased odds of employment, but Pell et al 24 found neither computer skills nor training in computers was correlated with employment outcomes. Lastly, Tomassen 8 found that retraining post-injury was associated with an increased odds of employment (OR = 2.14 [95% CI, 1.08-4.26]) and Heinemann et al 40 found that those involved in psychological treatment that focused on rapport building were less likely to have work/ school at the 1 year anniversary post-injury (OR = 0.84, P = 0.01).…”

Vocational outcome following spinal cord injury

“…12,13 Fewer again are reported as being currently employed (13% to 56%), 14,15 highlighting that once a position is secured in the workforce, further problems may be experienced in sustaining employment. In terms of the types of occupations in which people are likely to be employed post-SCI, a substantial proportion ®nd jobs in clerical or data entry areas, with fewer people employed in professional or managerial positions.…”