Workplace Inclusion and Career Growth for People with Disabilities: A Review of Research and Practice

Description

Vintee and Anjali Malik (Department of Psychology, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana)

Career advancement is important to everyone; however, people with disabilities face significant barriers to employment, including social stigma, lack of employer support, limited training opportunities, and discrimination. This review examined studies from multiple countries to explore how career development for people with disabilities can be better supported. Findings indicate that early work experience, individualised skill-based training, and family support positively affect employment outcomes. Inclusive workplace practices, reasonable accommodation, and diversity and inclusion initiatives have also been shown to enhance employee confidence and job satisfaction. In addition, there are various forms of technology-based methods, such as online learning and video modelling, that have been successful in assisting individuals to develop job-related skills. Despite some of these positive advancements, there continue to be large gaps, particularly among underrepresented groups such as women, people of colour, and people with disabilities who have hidden disabilities. Furthermore, inequitable access to new and emerging technologies (e.g., artificial intelligence) and a lack of longitudinal research pose additional challenges to the field of career development for individuals with disabilities. Therefore, this literature review calls for increased investment in inclusive policies and equitable practices, as well as equal access to career opportunities for individuals with disabilities.