Factors Influencing Employment and Employability for Persons with Disability: Insights from a City in South India

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of evidence on barriers faced by persons with disability in accessing employment opportunities in India. AIM: This study was undertaken to ascertain both employee and employer perceptions on barriers existing among Information Technology (IT) and IT-enabled sectors to employ persons with disabilities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred participants from six IT/IT-enabled sector organizations were included in the study; study was conducted at Hyderabad, India. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to the participants. RESULTS: Physical access to and within the worksite was highlighted as a concern by 95% of respondents. Majority perceived that communication, attitude of people, discrimination, harassment at work place, and information were critical barriers. Only 3.8% of employers were aware that their company had a written policy on employing persons with disabilities. Employers stated that commitment and perseverance were important facilitators among persons with disabilities. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence from this study will help in planning need-based employment for persons with disabilities.