Assessing Social Integration in Employment Settings: Current Knowledge and Future Directions

Abstract

Based on a review of descriptive studies found in the employment literature from 1985 through 1995, we classified empirical measures that have been used to assess the social integration of employees with disabilities. In addition, we aggregated findings that described social interaction patterns in employment and summarized similarities and differences between the interactions of employees with and without disabilities. Ten categories of measures of social interaction were identified, and occurrence of social interaction was found to vary by environmental context and presence of disability. Findings were then compared to those of social skills interventions conducted in the workplace. Although aggregated findings revealed important information about social integration in work settings, critical gaps were found in current knowledge bases.

Feelings About Work: A Review of the Socio‐emotional Impact of Supported Employment on People with Intellectual Disabilities

“…1933;Jahoda 1982). Relationships at work have also been found to be significant for people with intellectual disabilities, with a link between social relationships and QOL in people with intellectual disability (Hughes et al. 1998; Schalock 2004).…”

“…The association between social alienation and long-term unemployment is well established in the general population (Jahoda et al 1933;Jahoda 1982). Relationships at work have also been found to be significant for people with intellectual disabilities, with a link between social relationships and QOL in people with intellectual disability (Hughes et al 1998;Schalock 2004). On the whole, studies of supported employment tend to convey positive messages about its potential to enhance social interactions in the workplace, to increase friendships in and outside of work, and create a greater sense of community belonging.…”

Users' views on supported employment and social inclusion: a qualitative study of 30 people in work1

“…Hughes et al . (1998) reviewed the measures used to assess social integration of employees with disabilities in the literature between 1985 and 1995.…”

Inclusion Through Work and Productivity for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

“…A systematic review on workplace inclusion that spanned 1985–1995 (Hughes et al . ) sampled observational studies of social interactions between workers with intellectual and developmental disabilities and co‐workers. The review revealed much focus on this issue during that time period, but identified numerous inconsistencies in the study findings.…”

“…Although community-based employment is broadly believed to increase inclusion, there is limited recent empirical evidence that addresses central critical features of workplace inclusion and how being employed contributes to broader social involvement (Amado et al 2013). A systematic review on workplace inclusion that spanned 1985(Hughes et al 1998 sampled observational studies of social interactions between workers with intellectual and developmental disabilities and co-workers. The review revealed much focus on this issue during that time period, but identified numerous inconsistencies in the study findings.…”