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Employers’ Perspectives on Challenges and Strategies Related To Employment of People with Physical Disabilities: Findings from a National Survey in the United States

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: PURPOSE: The objective of the study was to advance the understanding of employers' perspectives on challenges and strategies related to hiring, retaining, and promoting people with physical disabilities (PwPD). METHODS: A nationwide cross-sectional survey of 2000 employers was conducted in the US. Descriptive analysis compared disability-related support practices between companies that hired PwPD in the past year and those that did not. Multivariable logistic regression identified specific challenges and strategies associated with inclusive hiring. Additionally, open-text responses were explored using content analysis. RESULTS: Company characteristics and disability-related support practices differed significantly between companies that hired PwPD (n = 1,142) and those that did not (n = 858). Employers who reported challenges with negative attitudes of coworkers (CI: 0.73-0.94), negative attitudes of customers (CI: 0.73-0.96), not knowing accommodation costs (CI: 0.75-0.98) had decreased odds of hiring PwPD. Conversely, employers who reported implementing onsite technical assistance (CI: 1.18-1.85), ergonomics experts (CI: 1.02-1.59), visible leadership commitment (CI: 1.11-1.73), trial work periods (CI: 1.05-1.63), and universal design (CI: 1.41-2.39) had increased odds. Open-text responses highlighted challenges such as negative attitudes, limited knowledge about how to support PwPD, and concerns about PwPD's incompetence and litigation. Effective strategies included employee resource groups, skill matching, tailored accommodations, and employee appreciation. Respondents also emphasized the importance of discussing and enhancing disability inclusion. CONCLUSION: The study identified specific challenges employers face and strategies they can use when seeking to support the employment of PwPD. Understanding employers' perspectives reveals opportunities to implement practical strategies that support organizations to enhance the workplace inclusion of PwPD.

Source: Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation

DOI: 10.1007/s10926-025-10345-9