Development of a framework for successful Open Employment (OE) for people with disabilities

Abstract

While significant efforts have been made in the placement of persons with disabilities in open employment (OE), little is known currently about what are the characteristics that contribute to sustainable and successful OE. Existing literature posits that caregivers and employers as well as the person’s own attributes are pertinent factors to successful OE. This study aimed to investigate these areas further, to identify important characteristics of successful OE for persons with disabilities (with a particular focus on intellectual disabilities) for the purpose of developing a framework for sustainable open employment for persons with disabilities. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with three participant groups - Persons, caregivers and employers. The interview data were then thematically analysed. The results show four major characteristics and 20 sub-characteristics that are important in successful OE. Survey data from job coaches also yielded four broad factors for open employment sustainability. These specific characteristics provided the structure for the development of a framework for sustainable open employment for persons with disabilities in OE. Policy, practice and research implications are discussed.