Work

To Work or Not to Work? Why Are People With Intellectual Disability Enrolled at Vocational Training Centres in Poland Willing or Unwilling to Take a Job?

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The employment rates among people with intellectual disabilities are relatively low globally. Given that, the study aimed to determine why individuals with intellectual disabilities who received training at Polish Vocational Training Centres were willing or reluctant to take a job in the future and how their motivations for either were related to their socio-demographic characteristics. METHODS: The study sample consisted of 1000 adults with intellectual disability, 547 men and 453 women aged 19-67 years, enrolled in VTC socio-occupational rehabilitation programmes. Their intentions regarding future employment were determined during one-on-one semi-structured interviews utilising the Me and My Work questionnaires. RESULTS: The quantitative analysis of the interview data showed equal numbers of study participants who wanted to work after training and those who did not consider this option, preferring to stay at a VTC. The qualitative analysis provided more knowledge of what specifically motivated each group's preferences.

Source: Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities

DOI: 10.1111/jar.70277

Authors: Wojciech Otrębski, Ewa Zasępa

Institutions: John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, The Maria Grzegorzewska University

Language: English

Topic: Disability Education and Employment

Subfield: Education

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W7170035648