Factors with regard to the attainment of workplace equality as perceived by people with physical disabilities

Abstract

Since 1994, various policies and guidelines, pertaining to the employment of people with disabilities have been promulgated. All of these policies highlighted the importance of employment equity and equality within the working environment. Despite all these policies and guidelines people with disabilities are still experiencing barriers within the working environment. These barriers prevent them from functioning optimally and equally alongside able-bodied colleagues. The requirements of people with disabilities are still not integrated into the general considerations of the workplace. In order to determine what factors people with physical disabilities perceive as important with regard to equality in the workplace, a combination of a qualitative and quantitative research approach were followed. Both convenient and Snowball/Chain sampling was utilised to identify the research participants. The data was gathered by means of an intensive literature study, as well as utilisation of surveys and interviews. After analysing the data, specific conclusions could be made. The sample was not representative of the total population, so these conclusions could not be generalised, it could however indicate certain trends. The conclusions with regard to the study could be utilised to improve the management of employees with physical disabilities in order to promote workplace equality. Certain recommendations in this regard have been made. Recommendations on how social workers could assist with the attainment of workplace equality for employees with disabilities have also been made.