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Jupille J, Deloffre S, Leguay D, Chirio-Espitalier M. Disability, recruitment and job retention: Identifying barriers and facilitators from the employers' point of view. Work 2024:WOR230444. [PMID: 39121145 DOI: 10.3233/wor-230444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite increased public awareness of the professional, integration of people with disabilities, they encounter more difficulties than their non-disabled counterparts in accessing employment. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to gain a better understanding of the barriers and facilitators to hiring and retaining people with disabilities from the perspective of employers in the private and public sector in France. METHODS This was a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with forty-two employers from public structures or private companies. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research was used as a guideline to secure accurate and complete reporting of the study. RESULTS Among barriers we found that 1. Stereotypes persist about disability, still associated with lower productivity and dangerous behaviour; 2. Disabilities were associated with costs that were considered too high; 3. Disabilities management was seen as an administrative burden. 4. The bumps of inclusion. We also highlighted facilitators such as 1. A public sector is a more favourable environment 2. Employer's personal motivation to hire people with disabilities; 3. The support by Job Coaches was seen as a powerful facilitator. CONCLUSIONS The decision to hire people with disabilities depends on many personal, societal and organisational factors. This study has contributed to a better understanding of their interrelationships and could be useful in developing more effective strategies for the inclusion of people with disabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Jupille
- Sociologist at the Resource Center on Psychic Disabilities of Pays de La Loire (CReHPsy), Sainte Gemmes sur Loire, France
| | - Sophie Deloffre
- Health Manager at the CReHPsy des Pays de la Loire, 49130, Sainte Gemmes sur Loire, France
| | - Denis Leguay
- Psychiatrist and CReHPsy des Pays de la Loire coordinator, 49130, Sainte Gemmes sur Loire, France
| | - Marion Chirio-Espitalier
- Psychiatrist at CreHPsy des Pays de la Loire, 49130, Sainte Gemmes sur Loire, France
- Psychiatrist, Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, UIC Psychiatrie et Santé Mentale, F-44000 Nantes, France
- Psychiatry and Mental Health Department, Nantes University Hospital, INSERM, MethodS in Patients centered outcomes and HEalth ResEarch, SPHERE, F-44000 Nantes, France
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2
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Hurenko O, Suchikova Y, Kravchenko N, Nesterenko M, Petryk K. Employment of young people with disabilities: The potential of social partnership of universities, municipalities and the labor market of Ukraine. Work 2024:WOR230351. [PMID: 38848151 DOI: 10.3233/wor-230351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study analyzed the existing global experience of university and labor market partnerships concerning the employment of youth with disabilities. It was found that current cooperation models are implemented locally, in a fragmented manner, and are limited to interactions between universities and large enterprises. OBJECTIVE The research aimed to explore the current state of meeting the needs of students with disabilities in terms of providing educational services and employment opportunities and to analyze the interaction between universities, municipalities, and the labor market to improve employment opportunities for young people with disabilities. METHODS The study considered a survey of three target groups from different regions of Ukraine (105 students with disabilities, 321 university faculty members, and 102 enterprise managers) conducted to study the current state of needs satisfaction in providing educational services and employing people with disabilities. RESULTS The findings indicated a lack of coordination among stakeholders, an absence of systematization, and organization in addressing the issue of improving the employment of youth with disabilities. The research enabled the identification of existing and desired connections between the subjects of social partnership. A social partnership model between universities, municipalities, and the labor market was developed to improve the employment of youth with disabilities. CONCLUSION The study results are promising, as implementing the social partnership model will broadly impact society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olha Hurenko
- Berdyansk State Pedagogical University, Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine
| | - Yana Suchikova
- Berdyansk State Pedagogical University, Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine
| | | | | | - Kristina Petryk
- Berdyansk State Pedagogical University, Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine
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3
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Almalky HA, Alasmari AN. Employers' perceptions of supports provided to their employees with disabilities. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2024; 149:104750. [PMID: 38723430 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2024.104750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
The employment of individuals with disabilities is significantly low. Many factors are associated with this issue; however, support and accommodations that can be provided to such individuals can improve their employment rate and outcomes. This study aimed to examine the support provided to employees with disabilities in Saudi Arabia. The descriptive approach was utilized, and a survey was used to collect the data. The sample consisted of 86 employer participants to examine the support of their employees with disabilities. Findings revealed that the support provided was high, and the participants reported that such support facilitates finding and maintaining a job. In addition, the variables were all found to have no significant differences. Providing needed and necessary support is an effective strategy that leads to competitive employment for individuals with disabilities, especially for the long term. Implications and recommendations are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hussain A Almalky
- Department of Special Education, College of Education in Al-Kharj, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Ali N Alasmari
- Department of Special Education, College of Education in Al-Kharj, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
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Kersten A, van Woerkom M, Geuskens GA, Blonk RWB. Organisational Policies and Practices for the Inclusion of Vulnerable Workers: A Scoping Review of the Employer's Perspective. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION 2023; 33:245-266. [PMID: 36083361 PMCID: PMC9461424 DOI: 10.1007/s10926-022-10067-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Current models of inclusive workplaces are primarily based on the perceptions of vulnerable workers, whereas attention for employer's perceptions is lacking. This scoping review addresses this issue by mapping the literature that covers employer's perceptions on the application and importance of organisational policies and practices aimed at the inclusion of vulnerable workers. Methods A literature search for qualitative and quantitative research articles was conducted in MEDLINE, Scopus, ProQuest, PsychInfo, Google Scholar and Web of Science. Studies were included when (a) they reported on practices aimed at the inclusion, participation, or rehabilitation of (b) workers with disabilities, a low education or migration background, or who were long-term unemployed, and (c) were based on samples of employers or their representatives. Results The search resulted in 3,134 articles. In total, 38 articles met the inclusion criteria of this study. We identified seven types of inclusive practices to stimulate the inclusion of vulnerable workers that employers applied and/or perceived as valuable: senior management commitment, recruitment and selection, performance management and development practices, job accommodations and redesign of work, supportive culture, external collaborations with other employers, and monitoring. Conclusions Our review identified seven categories of inclusive practices that pertain to all stages of the employee journey of vulnerable workers. These categories move beyond those reported in studies based on employee samples, for instance by highlighting the importance of monitoring and collaborations with other employers. Hence, our findings stress that insight into employers' perceptions about effective measures is crucial to increase labour market participation of vulnerable groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kersten
- Department of Human Resource Studies, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Warandelaan 2, 5037 AB, Tilburg, The Netherlands.
- Healthy Living, Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - M van Woerkom
- Department of Human Resource Studies, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Warandelaan 2, 5037 AB, Tilburg, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Center of Excellence for Positive Organisational Psychology, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - G A Geuskens
- Healthy Living, Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - R W B Blonk
- Department of Human Resource Studies, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Warandelaan 2, 5037 AB, Tilburg, The Netherlands
- Healthy Living, Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Leiden, The Netherlands
- Optentia Research Focus Area, North-West University, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa
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5
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McPherson R, Loafman LW. Inclusive workplace practices: understanding disability-assistance animal stereotype-bias signals. ORGANIZATION MANAGEMENT JOURNAL 2023. [DOI: 10.1108/omj-08-2022-1588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to fill a distinct gap in the literature on disability-assistance animals (disability-AAs) and inclusive employment by investigating human resource (HR) practitioners’ perceptions of disability-AAs in the staffing process and workplace. HR practitioners play a critical role in accommodation and inclusion, yet their experiences and insights have been largely ignored in prior research.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used a phenomenological approach, drawing on signaling theory and employability constructs, to explore insights from 17 HR practitioners’ experiences with assistance animals in the workplace.
Findings
The potential for unconscious bias in employment practices was found, as well as a significant percentage of practitioners who were unprepared to handle animal accommodations. First, the potential development of a positive stereotype bias suggests all genuine assistance animals are high functioning. Second, the assumption that employees’ assistance animal requests for invisible disabilities without previous disclosure are presumed fraudulent until proven valid.
Research limitations/implications
As a qualitative study, findings from this study are not generalizable to a larger population but may be transferable to similar employment contexts.
Originality/value
This study extends knowledge from previous studies, which focused predominately on insights from disabled individuals, animal trainers and therapists, to the HR practitioner domain in creating a more inclusive work environment. Findings from this study suggest the need to improve education about disability-AAs and the potential for unconscious bias for HR practitioners and hiring managers when accommodating requests, particularly when those assistance animals are not described as high functioning.
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Schaap R, Stevels VA, de Wolff MS, Hazelzet A, Anema JR, Coenen P. "I noticed that when I have a good supervisor, it can make a Lot of difference." A Qualitative Study on Guidance of Employees with a Work Disability to Improve Sustainable Employability. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION 2023; 33:201-212. [PMID: 36066669 PMCID: PMC10025227 DOI: 10.1007/s10926-022-10063-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE For employees with a work disability adequate daily guidance from supervisors is key for sustainable employability. Supervisors often lack expertise to guide this group of employees. Mentorwijs (literal translation: Mentorwise) is a training for supervisors to improve the guidance of employees with a work disability. The aim of this study was to investigate the experiences of employees with a work disability regarding: (1) the guidance from their supervisors (who followed the Mentorwijs training), (2) which differences they notice in the guidance due to the Mentorwijs training, and (3) what kind of aspects they consider important in their guidance to achieve sustainable employability. METHODS A qualitative study was performed with semi-structured (group) interviews among twenty-one employees with a work disability. Thematic analysis was performed to analyze the data. RESULTS Themes that followed from the interviews were: (1) work tasks and conditions can facilitate or hinder sustainable employability: (2) relationships among employees and with supervisors can affect sustainable employability; (3) a desire for new opportunities and challenges; and (4) a need for supervisor skills to facilitate sustainable employability, i.e. appreciation, availability of help, dealing with problems, listening, attitude and communication. According to employees, changes were mainly noticed in supervisor skills. CONCLUSIONS Employees with a work disability were very satisfied with the guidance of supervisors who followed the Mentorwijs training. To improve sustainable employability, training of supervisors should focus more on adequate work conditions, providing employees opportunities to learn new work tasks and improving supervisors' skills regarding appreciation, attitude and communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Schaap
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - V A Stevels
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M S de Wolff
- Sustainable Productivity and Employability, Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research TNO, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - A Hazelzet
- Sustainable Productivity and Employability, Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research TNO, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - J R Anema
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - P Coenen
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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7
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Jiang L, Chen Z, Lei C. Current college graduates' employability factors based on university graduates in Shaanxi Province, China. Front Psychol 2023; 13:1042243. [PMID: 36698607 PMCID: PMC9870627 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1042243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
With the development of higher education, there are a large number of college graduates turn into the labor market, and college students' employability has become a popular topic. In order to explore the factors that affect employability's improvement and what factors employability includes, this article summarizes the previous research on employability, uses university graduates of Shaanxi Province as research examples, and investigates the employability factors of college graduates. With the help of SPSS software, data analysis is conducted on the 220 valid questionnaires. The study uses reliability and validity analysis to verify the quality of the questionnaire, takes the exploratory factor analysis to test the employability factors of college students, and employs multiple linear regression analysis to test the factors that influence employability's improvement. The results of the research show that individual traits, social experience, and workplace training have a significant impact on college students' employability; knowledge understanding and learning ability, self-management ability, emotional intelligence, generic skills, professional ability, and career planning capability are the important factors of the employability which college students should master. Our research results update the influencing factors of employability, so that contemporary college students have a new understanding of employability, and help them to improve their employability more pertinently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Jiang
- Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary,*Correspondence: Lijuan Jiang,
| | - Zirou Chen
- Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Changkui Lei
- School of Safety and Emergency Management Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
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8
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Dean EE, Garrels V, Sigstad HMH, Wendelborg C. Employer willingness to hire people with intellectual disability: The influence of employer experience, perception of work, and social responsibility. JOURNAL OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION 2022. [DOI: 10.3233/jvr-221201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: For people with intellectual disability (ID), competitive integrated employment (CIE) offers many important benefits, including opportunities for inclusion as well as enhanced mental health and quality of life. Yet, CIE outcomes for people with ID are low. One systemic issue that has not been completely studied is employer willingness to hire workers with ID. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to understand factors that effect employer willingness to hire people with ID, including employers’ personal experience with ID, corporate social responsibility, and perceptions of work performance. METHOD: This study was conducted in Norway and used a survey design to understand factors that contribute to employer willingness to hire. RESULTS: Four hundred seventy-eight employers responded to the survey. Our findings suggest that employers’ perception of work performance, corporate social responsibility, and prior experience hiring employees with ID are key predictors of willingness to hire. CONCLUSIONS: Supporting employers to gain experience with employees with ID in the workplace and understand the benefits of hiring employees with ID is a critical task in the endeavor to promote competitive integrated employment for people with ID.
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9
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Fantinelli S, Di Fiore T, Marzuoli A, Galanti T. Self-Perceived Employability of Workers With Disability: A Case Study in an Educational Farm. Front Psychol 2022; 13:871616. [PMID: 35769762 PMCID: PMC9234642 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.871616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The job placement of persons with disability is often threatened by prejudices and stereotypes; even when they are employed, they have less qualified and less paid jobs. The aim of this study was to investigate the self-perceived employability in a sample of workers with disability, hypothesizing to find a good level of self-determination and positive meaning of work. Materials and Methods Ten semi-structured interviews have been conducted, applying a mix-method to the data analysis through qualitative interpretation and quantitative content analysis. Results confirmed what recent literature shows about the need for job inclusiveness for persons with disability and also underlined a profound sense of satisfaction related to the job, strong identity, and empowerment derived from the job involvement. Conclusion Practical implications are related to the job design procedure inspired by diversity management, in order to pay attention to every single diversity and ensure equity and inclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Teresa Di Fiore
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti and Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Alessia Marzuoli
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti and Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Teresa Galanti
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti and Pescara, Chieti, Italy
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10
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Kwiatkowska-Ciotucha D, Załuska U, Kozyra C, Grześkowiak A, Żurawicka M, Polak K. Diversity of Perceptions of Disability in the Workplace vs. Cultural Determinants in Selected European Countries. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19042058. [PMID: 35206247 PMCID: PMC8872430 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The perception of people with disability (PwD) is of key importance for the full inclusion of this group in the labour market. The article presents selected results of research on the perception of PwD in the workplace. The analyses are based on the results of semiotics research conducted in Poland and of quantitative study in the form of computer-assisted Internet interviews (CAWI) carried out on representative samples from eight European countries. Opinions of Internet users were collected in Belgium, Bulgaria, Greece, Spain, Germany, Poland, Sweden and Great Britain. The results of semiotic analyses on texts mainly from Polish culture made it possible to identify the prevailing images of disability in Polish popular culture and inspired the authors to seek diversity in perceptions of disability depending on social and cultural patterns in a given country. The results of the international survey were used to compare all eight countries with regard to the relationship between the dimensions of culture according to G. Hofstede, and openness to people with disability in the workplace. The conducted research indicates that the perception of the issue of disability is significantly related to the selected dimensions of culture according to G. Hofstede.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Kwiatkowska-Ciotucha
- Department of Logistics, Wroclaw University of Economics and Business, 53-345 Wrocław, Poland;
- Correspondence:
| | - Urszula Załuska
- Department of Logistics, Wroclaw University of Economics and Business, 53-345 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Cyprian Kozyra
- Department of Statistics, Wroclaw University of Economics and Business, 53-345 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Alicja Grześkowiak
- Department of Econometrics and Operational Research, Wroclaw University of Economics and Business, 53-345 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Marzena Żurawicka
- Semiotic Solutions, Nowa Iwiczna, 05-500 Warsaw, Poland; (M.Ż.); (K.P.)
| | - Krzysztof Polak
- Semiotic Solutions, Nowa Iwiczna, 05-500 Warsaw, Poland; (M.Ż.); (K.P.)
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11
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Bracho-Ponce MJ, Grasso-Cladera A, Salas C, Lassaletta A. ‘I am not who you think I am’: public stigma and invisible brain injury (‘No soy quien creen que soy’: estigma público y daño cerebral invisible). STUDIES IN PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/02109395.2021.2006947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Christian Salas
- Universidad Diego Portales
- Centro de Estudios en Neurociencia Humana y Unidad de Neuropsicología Clínica
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12
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Colonne UT, Dharmarathna I, Siriwardhana DD, Handy T, Gamage MH, Athawuda N, Sumanasena SP. Stakeholders' perspectives on the provision of vocational training for youth with disabilities in Sri Lanka: protocol for a mixed-methods study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e056678. [PMID: 34996803 PMCID: PMC8744120 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The quality and the range of vocational training (VT) courses offered to youth with disabilities (YwD) in low-middle-income countries are underexplored. This protocol describes a study designed to gather perceptions of a range of stakeholders related to the quality and relevance of VT programmes conducted by the Department of Social Services in Sri Lanka. The purpose of this study is to communicate with authorities the ways in which they can improve their services by paying close attention to the needs and recommendations of all stakeholders. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A parallel mixed-methods study will be conducted at eight vocational training institutes (VTIs). A survey will be conducted with five participant groups; YwD presently enrolled in VTIs (n=358) and their caregivers (n=358), YwD who completed the VT (n=45) and their caregivers (n=45) and educators at VTIs (n=47). The qualitative component includes semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. The three groups of participants include: educators, caregivers of potential YwD for future VT (6-10 per group) and key informants from state, corporate and non-governmental sectors (a total of 20). Quantitative and qualitative data will be analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics and cross-thematic analysis, respectively. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study received ethical clearance from the Ethics Review Committee, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya (Ref. No: P/15/02/2021). All data collection processes will abide by health and safety measures required by the national government. Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. Results from this research will be disseminated, to local stakeholders and participants, via local and international conferences and publications in peer-reviewed journals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uvini Tharumali Colonne
- Department of Disability Studies, University of Kelaniya Faculty of Medicine, Ragama, Western Province, Sri Lanka
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ayati National Center for Children with Disabilities, Ragama, Western Province, Sri Lanka
| | - Isuru Dharmarathna
- Department of Disability Studies, University of Kelaniya Faculty of Medicine, Ragama, Western Province, Sri Lanka
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ayati National Center for Children with Disabilities, Ragama, Western Province, Sri Lanka
| | | | - Tamara Handy
- Department of Disability Studies, University of Kelaniya Faculty of Medicine, Ragama, Western Province, Sri Lanka
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ayati National Center for Children with Disabilities, Ragama, Western Province, Sri Lanka
| | - Madhushika Harshani Gamage
- Department of Disability Studies, University of Kelaniya Faculty of Medicine, Ragama, Western Province, Sri Lanka
| | - Nuwanda Athawuda
- Department of Disability Studies, University of Kelaniya Faculty of Medicine, Ragama, Western Province, Sri Lanka
| | - Samanmali P Sumanasena
- Department of Disability Studies, University of Kelaniya Faculty of Medicine, Ragama, Western Province, Sri Lanka
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ayati National Center for Children with Disabilities, Ragama, Western Province, Sri Lanka
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13
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Bosma AR, Boot CRL, Snippen NC, Schaafsma FG, Anema JR. Supporting employees with chronic conditions to stay at work: perspectives of occupational health professionals and organizational representatives. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:592. [PMID: 33765993 PMCID: PMC7992826 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10633-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Supporting employees with chronic conditions can prevent work-related problems and facilitate sustainable employment. Various stakeholders are involved in providing support to these employees. Understanding their current practices and experienced barriers is useful for the development of an organizational-level intervention to improve this support. The aim of this study was to explore the current practices of occupational physicians and organizational representatives, identifying both barriers to providing support and opportunities for improvement. Methods Two focus groups with sixteen occupational physicians and seven semi-structured interviews with organizational representatives were held between January and June 2018. Data was analyzed using thematic content analysis. Results Several barriers to offer support were identified, including barriers at the organizational level (negative organizational attitudes towards employees with chronic conditions), the employee level (employees’ reluctance to collaborate with employers in dealing with work-related problems), and in the collaboration between occupational physicians and organizational representatives. In addition, barriers in occupational health care were described, e.g. occupational physicians’ lack of visibility and a lack of utilization of occupational physicians’ support. Opportunities to optimize support included a shared responsibility of all stakeholders involved, actively anchoring prevention of work-related problems in policy and practice and a more pronounced role of the health care sector in preventing work-related problems. Conclusions Preventing work-related problems for employees with chronic conditions can be achieved by addressing the identified barriers to provide support. In addition, both occupational physicians and organizational representatives should initiate and secure preventive support at the organizational level and in occupational health care. These insights are helpful in developing an intervention aimed at supporting employees with chronic conditions to stay at work. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-10633-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- A R Bosma
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - C R L Boot
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - N C Snippen
- Department of Health Sciences, Community and Occupational Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - F G Schaafsma
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - J R Anema
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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14
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Bosma AR, Boot CRL, Schaafsma FG, Kok G, Anema JR. Development of an Intervention to Create a Supportive Work Environment for Employees with Chronic Conditions: An Intervention Mapping Approach. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION 2020; 30:624-634. [PMID: 32200483 PMCID: PMC7716852 DOI: 10.1007/s10926-020-09885-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Purpose This study describes the development of an evidence-based intervention to create a supportive work environment for employees with chronic conditions. Occupational physicians (OPs) play an important role in guiding organizations in this process of organizational change. Supportive work environments can aid in preventing work-related problems and facilitate sustainable employment. Current workplace interventions for employees with chronic conditions are mainly focused on return to work or a reduction in sick leave at the individual worker's level. This study contributes to the literature an organizational-level intervention which utilizes a preventive approach. Methods Intervention mapping (IM) is a six-step, structured protocol that was used to develop this intervention. In step 1, a needs assessment was conducted to define the problem and explore the perspectives of all stakeholders involved. The program outcomes and the performance objectives of employees with chronic conditions and occupational physicians were specified in step 2. In step 3, appropriate methods and practical applications were chosen. Step 4 describes the actual development of the intervention, consisting of (1) a training for occupational physicians to teach them how to guide organizations in creating a supportive work environment; (2) a practical assignment; and (3) a follow-up meeting. The intervention will be implemented in a pilot study in which occupational physicians will put their acquired knowledge and skills into practice within one of their organizations, which is delineated in step 5. Conclusions IM proved to be a valuable and practical tool for the development of this intervention, aiming to facilitate sustainable employment for employees with chronic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. R. Bosma
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - C. R. L. Boot
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - F. G. Schaafsma
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - G. Kok
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - J. R. Anema
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Measurement of Factors Affecting the Perception of People with Disabilities in the Workplace. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17124455. [PMID: 32575845 PMCID: PMC7345715 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17124455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
The issue of employing people with disabilities is crucial from both a social and economic perspective, and is often influenced by the social perception of this group of people. In this article, we attempted to examine attitudes towards the disabled in eight European countries by using one of the most popular tools that measures the perception of such people in everyday life—the Attitudes to Disability Scale (ADS) developed by the WHOQOL Group. We checked the general attitude towards disability according to the ADS scale and the specific perception of disability in the workplace using a scale created ad hoc. The research was conducted in 2019 using the CAWI (computer-assisted web interview) method on representative samples of Internet users, whereas the analysis methods included the measurement reliability analysis, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modelling (SEM). The obtained results allow for the acceptance of the measurement model of the ADS scale in the societies of the analyzed countries. No significant differences were found between models created for people with a disability experience (a group from the WHOQOL Group research) and without such experience. The measurement using the original ADS scale factor structure is of good reliability, whereas CFA is of good fit. We also examined the impact of ADS scale factors on the perception of people with disabilities in the workplace using the SEM model, and obtained good fit of the model. The results show that the dimensions of perception, such as inclusion, discrimination and prospects, affect the evaluation of people with disabilities in the workplace.
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Svinndal EV, Jensen C, Rise MB. Employees with hearing impairment. A qualitative study exploring managers’ experiences. Disabil Rehabil 2019; 42:1855-1862. [DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2018.1541101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Vigrestad Svinndal
- National Centre for Occupational Rehabilitation, Rauland, Norway
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Chris Jensen
- National Centre for Occupational Rehabilitation, Rauland, Norway
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Marit By Rise
- Department of Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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