Studies related to employment of persons with intellectual disability: A systematic review

Article type: Review Article

Authors: Jacob, Udeme Samuel^{; *} | Pillay, Jace

Affiliations: University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa

Correspondence: [*] Address for correspondence: Udeme Samuel Jacob, Senior Postdoctoral Research Fellow, South African Research Chair: Education and Care in Childhood, Faculty of Education, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa. E-mail: udeme01@gmail.com; ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3234-8226.

Abstract: BACKGROUND:There are still a lot of countries that do not provide employment opportunities to people with intellectual disability (ID). Ten years after the UN passed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, it is important to review existing studies on the employment of individuals with intellectual disabilities. OBJECTIVE:In this study, researchers reviewed studies that examined the employment of people with intellectual disability. METHOD:A thorough search of various bibliographic databases identified 1005 academic papers. Ten studies on the employment of persons with intellectual disabilities met the criteria for in-depth analysis. RESULTS:Employment is vital for individuals with intellectual disability, but predetermined employment options and parent-related factors may limit their access to the labour market. Efforts must be made to ensure a seamless progression from school to work. Lack of support makes bridging the gap between individual capacity and societal demands challenging. For people with intellectual disability to increase employment opportunities, stakeholders must work together. CONCLUSION:An intervention to support and follow up on older employees with intellectual disability will be greatly appreciated.

Keywords: Employment, intellectual disability, job placement, sheltered employment

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-230035

Journal: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 59, no. 2, pp. 169-181, 2023