A Systematic Review of the Benefits of Hiring People with Disabilities

Purpose We reviewed literature on the benefits of hiring people with disabilities. Increasing attention is being paid to the role of people with disabilities in the workplace. Although most research focuses on employers' concerns, many companies are now beginning to share their successes. However, there is no synthesis of the peer-reviewed literature on the benefits of hiring people with disabilities. Methods Our team conducted a systematic review, completing comprehensive searches of seven databases from 1997 to May 2017. We selected articles for inclusion that were peer-reviewed publications, had a sample involving people with disabilities, conducted an empirical study with at least one outcome focusing on the benefits of hiring people with disabilities, and focused on competitive employment. Two reviewers independently applied the inclusion criteria, extracted the data, and rated the study quality. Results Of the 6176 studies identified in our search, 39 articles met our inclusion criteria. Findings show that benefits of hiring people with disabilities included improvements in profitability (e.g., profits and cost-effectiveness, turnover and retention, reliability and punctuality, employee loyalty, company image), competitive advantage (e.g., diverse customers, customer loyalty and satisfaction, innovation, productivity, work ethic, safety), inclusive work culture, and ability awareness. Secondary benefits for people with disabilities included improved quality of life and income, enhanced self-confidence, expanded social network, and a sense of community. Conclusions There are several benefits to hiring people with disabilities. Further research is needed to explore how benefits may vary by type of disability, industry, and job type.This study was funded by the Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation

A systematic review of post-secondary transition interventions for youth with disabilities

<p><b>Purpose:</b> Youth with disabilities have lower rates of enrollment and completion of post-secondary education compared with youth without disabilities. The objective of this systematic review is to understand the best practices and components of post-secondary transition programs for youth with disabilities.</p> <p><b>Method:</b> Systematic searches of six international databases identified 18 studies meeting our inclusion criteria (youth with a disability, aged 15–30; focusing on post-secondary education program or intervention, published from 1997 to 2017). These studies were analyzed with respect to the characteristics of the participants, methodology, results, and quality of the evidence.</p> <p><b>Results:</b> Among the 18 studies, 2385 participants (aged 13–28, mean 17.7 years) were represented across three countries (US, Canada, and Australia). Although the outcomes of the post-secondary transition programs varied across the studies, all of them reported an improvement in at least one of the following: college enrollment, self-determination, self-confidence, social and vocational self-efficacy, autonomy, social support, career exploration, and transition skills. The post-secondary transition programs varied in duration, length, number of sessions, and delivery format which included curriculum-based, online, immersive residential experience, mentoring, simulation, self-directed, technology-based, and multi-component.</p> <p><b>Conclusions:</b> Our findings highlight that post-secondary transition programs have the potential to improve self-determination, transition skills, and post-secondary outcomes among youth with disabilities.Implications for rehabilitation</p><p>Post-secondary education interventions have a beneficial influence on post-secondary and related transition outcomes in youth with disabilities.</p><p>Clinicians and educators should consider having multiple components, involving several sessions that include a curriculum, immersive college residential experience, mentoring, and/or simulations in their interventions for optimum program outcomes.</p><p>More research is needed to explore the types of interventions that work best for whom and the optimal age (including exploring the socio-demographic characteristics), setting, and delivery format.</p><p></p> <p>Post-secondary education interventions have a beneficial influence on post-secondary and related transition outcomes in youth with disabilities.</p> <p>Clinicians and educators should consider having multiple components, involving several sessions that include a curriculum, immersive college residential experience, mentoring, and/or simulations in their interventions for optimum program outcomes.</p> <p>More research is needed to explore the types of interventions that work best for whom and the optimal age (including exploring the socio-demographic characteristics), setting, and delivery format.</p