Work

Strategies in the face of ableism: how disabled employees craft social resources at work

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Social resources in the workplace are crucial in promoting inclusion and improving the work experience for disabled employees. However, ableist structures create barriers that prevent access to these resources, requiring additional efforts from disabled employees to manage social interactions. This study explores how disabled employees craft their social resources at work in the face of social barriers. Qualitative data from 27 interviews with employees with physical, psychological and sensory impairments or learning difficulties were analysed. Two strategic approaches to social resource crafting emerged: (1) Claiming and transforming social resources, and (2) Adapting to social resources. These approaches reflect different methods of social resource crafting based on individual needs and social barriers, which can lead to varying impacts on employees’ well-being and productivity. By recognising ableist structures and minimising social barriers, disabled employees can be supported in social resource crafting, which helps combat inequalities in the workplace.

Source: Disability & Society

DOI: 10.1080/09687599.2026.2755795

Authors: Sophie Teborg, Lena Hünefeld, Tomke S. Gerdes

Institutions: Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, TU Dortmund University

Language: English

Topic: Disability Education and Employment

Subfield: Education

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: Technische Universität Dortmund