Barriers encountered by PWDs in finding jobs

People with disabilities (PWDs) face multiple barriers in finding jobs. These barriers affect their access to employment opportunities, pay equity, and fair treatment in the workplace. Here are ten barriers that PWDs encounter in seeking employment:

1. Attitudinal barriers: Negative social attitudes and stereotypes towards PWDs may restrict their opportunities for employment. Discrimination and assumptions that PWDs are less capable or require special treatment can hinder their access to job opportunities.

2. Physical barriers: Lack of accessibility or accommodation in the work environment can prevent PWDs from performing their duties effectively. For instance, stairs or narrow aisles may make it challenging for wheelchair users to move around the worksite.

3. Lack of education and training: PWDs may face limited educational and training opportunities, especially in fields that are closely related to their disabilities. This lack of access to education and training can impede their ability to compete in the job market.

4. Limited transportation options: PWDs, especially those who rely on public transportation, may find it challenging to access job opportunities in remote areas or industries with irregular working hours. This limitation may lessen the likelihood of finding and maintaining employment, especially in urban areas.

5. Limited job opportunities: Some fields, such as industrial and construction work, may not be feasible for certain PWDs due to the physical demands of those jobs. As a result, they may experience difficulty in finding jobs that match their abilities and interests.

6. Limited access to technology: Some PWDs may have difficulty accessing and using technology in the workplace, including computers, software systems, and machinery that require highly advanced skills. Limited access to technology may limit a PWD's performance at work and their capacity for professional growth.

7. Restrictions on income and assets: PWDs may receive government-provided income or assets to meet their daily requirements, and this assistance might affect their employability. Employers may assume that PWDs may not need or want a full-time job if they receive income or assets.

8. Lack of flexibility in work schedules: Some PWDs may have appointments for regular healthcare appointments, therapy, or assistance with daily life tasks, which might make them unable to work regular full-time schedules. Employers may override these constraints since it may impede organizational goals.

9. Self-stigma: PWDs may recognize their own limitations and assume they are unemployable or unqualified for specific jobs. This self-stigma may hamper their confidence and lessen their interest in seeking and applying for employment opportunities.

10. Limited social opportunities: PWDs may face isolation and limited opportunities to interact with others, especially in-person. Limited opportunities for social interactions may reduce their potential to network and obtain recommendations that could assist them in acquiring employment opportunities.

References:

Persons with a Disability: Barriers to Employment and Other Labor-Related Issues News Release. (n.d.). https://www.bls.gov/news.release/archives/dissup_05012020.htm

EPIC Assist. (2022, September 20). The biggest barrier for people with disability is how society disables them.

https://epicassist.org/the-biggest-barrier-for-people-with-disability/

Disability and Health Disability Barriers | CDC. (2019, September 4). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/disability-barriers.html