Perspectives on the employment of persons with intellectual disabilities

Abstract

Employment is a right and an expected milestone marking adult lift within our society. Despite this, persons with intellectual disabilities are more likely to find barriers to access and to maintain employment within the labour market. The aim of this research is to understand the perspectives that exist on the employment of persons with intellectual disabilities. Adopting the systems theory as the main conceptual framework, the study focuses on the journey of employment of one individual with intellectual disabilities (Fabio), together with the perspectives of the key individuals involved in this aspect of his life: his parents, supervisor, colleagues and job coach. In doing so, all participants are seen in terms of a system, and the patterns of interaction in between them are considered when interpreting their perceptions. In line with the social model, the study considers disabling barriers as products of social organisation rather than of the individual’s impairment. The research adopted a qualitative approach and one-to-one interviews were held with all participants following and semistructured interview guide. The data collected was then analysed using thematic analysis, interpreted from a systemic and social model framework and the interpretation presented in the form of a journey. The context and profile, relationships and interaction and the concept of disability, were the overarching themes which played a significant role throughout Fabio’s employment journey. The journey of employment is likened to the experience of learning to ride a bicycle: one removes any obstacles that may come in the learner’s way and continues to support the individual until he or she is confident enough to let go and ride independently. In the same way, the perceptions of Fabio’s employment journey have been influenced by the context and the profiles of those around him, the relationships and interactions between all participants’ throughout and the concept of disability established. In acknowledging these themes as the main components of Fabio’s journey, it is then useful to interpret the employment experience through these themes and where necessary make adjustments when one of the components is falling short from the others, with the aim of restoring balance within the system. Although Fabio’s journey is unique, the same framework can be applied to other individuals within similar contexts and the main themes can shed light onto the overall functioning of the employment system.