Young Maltese people with physical disability in the workplace

Abstract

Employment is a fundamental human right for everyone. Unfortunately, in Malta, the employment rate for people with physical impairments remains low compared to that of people without disabilities (Academic Network of European Disability, 2009). Employers’ and co-workers’ attitude act an important part for the integration of this minority group in the workplace. The purpose of the study was to examine whether people with physical disability are being accepted in the employment sector. In this regard, this study uses face to face interviews with employed young people with physical disability to understand how they are being treated in the workplace. Moreover, qualitative questionnaires were presented to human resources managers as a tool to gain an insight in understanding about the attitudes of employers and co-workers. Results from people with physical impairment indicate that in Malta it is difficult to be employed however once they are employed, employers do their utmost to accommodate their employees with physical impairment. The study shows that there is still need for employers and co-workers to change this mentality. The data establish that small companies show more interest in employing people with disability than medium and large companies. Moreover, findings show that employers need more financial spport from the government. Suggestions and conclusions based on the findings are discussed and recommendations for employers, policy makers, educators and co-workers are presented.