Perspectives on Inclusive Employment for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (PwID): A Social Work Approach

Abstract

Inclusive employment for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (PwID) is not merely a policy initiative but a fundamental human right and a social imperative. Despite national and international mandates advocating for equal opportunities, PwID continue to face systemic barriers to employment, including stigma, lack of accessible training, and employer biases. This paper critically examines the current landscape of inclusive employment for PwID, drawing from theoretical frameworks such as Social Role Valorization (SRV), supported employment, and person-centered planning. To support these insights with empirical evidence, the paper presents a quantitative study involving 15 PwID employed across different sectors. The Work-Life Balance (WLB) Scale developed by Hayman (2005) was used to assess how employment impacts their personal and professional lives. The results show low interference between work and personal life, and high levels of enrichment, suggesting that inclusive employment contributes positively to the quality of life for PwID. The paper concludes with recommendations for social workers, employers, and policymakers to create inclusive and sustainable employment ecosystems for persons with intellectual disabilities.