Company Characteristics, Disability Inclusion Practices, and Employment of People with Disabilities in the Post COVID-19 Job Economy: A Cross Sectional Survey Study

Abstract

Purpose In the post coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) recession economy, rehabilitation counselors, transition specialists, and other disability service providers must redouble their efforts to connect with employers to create employment opportunities for people with physical and mental impairments. The purpose of the present study was to investigate company characteristics and effective disability inclusion practices that are related to employment of people with disabilities. Methods Four hundred sixty-six employers completed a demographic questionnaire and the Disability Inclusion Profiler . Results Results indicated company characteristics and disability practices were positively related to employment of people with disabilities. Conclusions Findings of the present study can be used by transition specialists, rehabilitation counselors, and other disability service providers to engage and connect with employers to increase employment opportunity for people with disabilities in the post COVID-19 economy. Future research and practice implications are provided.

Autism Employment Initiative in a Global Business Management Consultancy Firm: A Case Study

“…The integration and reintegration of people with disabilities and autism into the workforce in a post-COVID-19 economy will depend on several factors, including the return of autism employment initiatives and efforts operating at pre-pandemic levels (Bernick, 2021;Brooks, 2020). Identifying the characteristics and practices of companies that have successfully developed disability initiatives can serve as a roadmap for businesses, vocational rehabilitation agencies, and stakeholders who will need to work even harder to ensure success for employees with disabilities moving forward (Chan et al, 2021).…”

School and Employment-Related Barriers for Youth and Young Adults with and without a Disability during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Greater Toronto Area

“…Understanding youth's perspectives are important because the employment rate for people with disabilities is often lower than those without disabilities, leaving them vulnerable to the negative consequences of unemployment and poverty [8], especially during periods of economic instability. Some researchers argue that employers might be reluctant to hire people with disabilities during a recession and other times when the supply of workers exceeds the demand [8].…”

“…Indeed, people with disabilities are more often impacted by economic crises compared to other groups [7], which can result in employment inequities. The post-COVID-19 economy is expected to significantly affect the employment of individuals with disabilities [8].…”

Employment Policy for Persons with Disabilities: Systematic Literature Review with Bibliometric Analysis

“…In this regard, scientists emphasise the need for integrated, systemic, and joint medical care systems [Okyere et al, 2021] and the need for coherence and purposefulness of efforts on the part of services and the need to develop broader public policies and programs for further inclusion of persons with disabilities in the labour market [Olney et al, 2022]. Services of rehabilitation consultants need to be doubled, and service providers for persons with disabilities need to be organised to establish contact with employers [Chan et al, 2021], and, also as the importance of creating inclusive employment opportunities for persons with disabilities [Gignac et al, 2021]. One of the positive consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic for people with disabilities has been working at home with the help of new technologies.…”