Yes, We Comply, but Do We Include?: The Employment Disability Challenge

Abstract

People with disabilities (PWDs) struggle to enter and remain in the labor market due the lack of effectiveness of integration mechanisms described previously but that represent a discrepancy between the expectation and the reality in organizations. This study aims to identify mechanisms that effectively foster a conducive environment for PWDs’ employability, focusing on how organizations may implement policies and practices for hiring and retention. Employing a literature review and econometric analysis, including generalized linear models, the research examines the impact of Mexican standards and other factors on PWD inclusion in firms. It explores the discrepancy between businesses’ readiness to incorporate PWDs and their actual integration. Findings are grounded in the Social Model of Disability, proposing six hypotheses related to overcoming organizational barriers that result in a conceptual proposal of four key variables that could foster a more successful integration of PWD from recruitment to long-term employment: accessibility standards; assistive technology; compliance with legal frameworks; and the formulation and enforcement of Human Resources policies or programs. The conceptual framework also outlines the importance of considering and managing organizational resilience to prepare the organizations for cases of acquired disability. The study introduces the term ‘anapirophobia’ to describe nonacceptance of disability. By identifying and addressing ‘anapirophobia’ it is possible to influence the workplace atmosphere for PWDs’ inclusion. The results indicate that despite how companies perceive themselves as prepared for PWD inclusion and compliant with regulations, this does not necessarily result in actual employment or support for PWD development.

Presenters

Karla Cuilty
Senior Researcher, Center for Research on Women in Senior Management, IPADE Business School, Distrito Federal, Mexico

Benjamin Aleman-Castilla
Professor of Economics, Economics, IPADE Business School, Mexico City, Mexico

Details

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation in a Themed Session

Theme

Organizational Diversity

KEYWORDS

Ableism, Disability, Employment, Workers with disabilities