Work

The Impact of a Disability Financial Support Program on Employment Experiences Within Work Integration Social Enterprises in Ontario, Canada

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Many individuals with psychiatric disabilities employed by work integration social enterprises (WISEs) rely on disability financial supports to supplement their income. However, little research has investigated the interconnections between WISE, disability support, and psychiatric disability. We draw on data from a qualitative study of employees, supervisors and administrators from seven WISEs in Ontario, Canada, to determine: (a) how does receipt of disability support impact the work experiences and choices of WISE workers? and (b) how does workers’ receipt of disability support impact the business practices of WISEs? We find that the cap on employment income earned without triggering a reduction in benefits limits worker engagement and places WISEs in the difficult position of jeopardizing continuity of benefits while pursuing their mandate of encouraging participation in work. These findings illustrate how the structure and function of WISE are interconnected with the structure and function of disability support in ways that bring to light the tensions between their respective understandings of psychiatric disability.

Source: Journal of Disability Policy Studies

DOI: 10.1177/10442073261430840

Authors: Lori E. Ross, Kelley Packalen, Michael J. Roy, Terry Krupa, Stella Schneckenburger, Rosemary Lysaght

Institutions: University of Toronto, Queen's University, University of Stirling

Language: English

Topic: Disability Education and Employment

Subfield: Safety Research

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, No poverty, Reduced inequalities, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,650