Success in the workplace: From the voice of (dis)abled to the voice of enabled

Abstract

The intention of this article is twofold; first to encourage a shift in seeing ‘the disabled’ not as people with disabilities but rather as people with unique abilities. Secondly, to explore ways of facilitating gainful employment for these uniquely abled people. The term disability is examined against a backdrop of definitions including the definition postulated by the International Classification of Functioning. In this article, the life experiences of a purposive sample of people with (dis)abilities who have been successful in the world of work are explored. A narrative approach gives voice to their experiences. Quotes from the participants’ responses are used to illustrate the common themes that emerged relating to their experiences. These themes are resonated against a backdrop of relevant literature. If disabled people are enabled to recognize and use their unique abilities, as well as develop various self-determination skills, imagine the endless possibilities which could arise for them and society in general.

School-to-work Transitions for Students with Intellectual Disabilities: Teachers' Perceptions and Experiences of a Recent Workplace-Based Reform in Sweden

“…Somewhat surprising is that our findings indicate two external factors for why students with intellectual disabilities face difficulties entering the labor marketemployer attitudes and increased labor market demands. These findings add to previous research that has primarily focused on more internal limitations within the educational system, such as lack of work and employment preparation of students (Engelbrecht et al, 2017;Roggero et al, 2006), education, training/socialization, and the role of teachers/supervisors (Marsay, 2014;Wehmeyer, et al, 2000). Therefore, the findings and conclusions in this study contain important messages for both policy and practice.…”

A literature review on work transitioning of youth with disabilities into competitive employment

“…Contrary to employers’ perspectives, Marsay ( 2014 ) explored the narratives of people with disabilities to identify ways of facilitating employment for them. Her participants identified policy, support structures, education and training, individual and societal attitude shifts, self-determination and enabling environments as crucial factors in the transitioning of people with disabilities into the South African labour market.…”

Disability policy and practice in Malawian employment and education

“…Despite many efforts, many have yet to close the gap on the ideals of the Convention, mainly because of limited resources amongst state-funded institutions for advancing disability issues . Previous studies on disability inclusion and policy implementation in sub-Saharan Africa demonstrate that when disability policy is taken from a non-local model, there is a gap between inclusion policy and practice Marsay, 2013;Pal et al, 2016). As Abimanyi-Ochom and Mannan (2014) note, despite governments excelling in commitment to disability rights by producing legislation, policies and socioeconomic programmes, the evidence highlights a continuing 'implementation gap' between laws, policies and practice, due to negative cultural attitudes towards disability, poor funding, inadequate training in inclusive education and limited access to accessible information and assistive devices.…”

“…As Abimanyi-Ochom and Mannan (2014) note, despite governments excelling in commitment to disability rights by producing legislation, policies and socioeconomic programmes, the evidence highlights a continuing 'implementation gap' between laws, policies and practice, due to negative cultural attitudes towards disability, poor funding, inadequate training in inclusive education and limited access to accessible information and assistive devices. Despite world-class policies and ratification of the CRPD, implementation is sometimes inadequate: 'rights do not automatically enable people to live better lives' (Marsay, 2013). Monitoring implementation remains difficult.…”