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Improving Our Understanding of Unmet Needs Among Adults with a Developmental Disability

Author

Listed:
  • Jonathan Lai

    (Mcgill University)

  • Stephanie Dunn

    (University of Calgary)

  • Jennifer D. Zwicker

    (University of Calgary)

Abstract

Nearly two-thirds of adults with a developmental disability in Canada are not in the workforce, according to findings from the 2012 Canadian Survey on Disability. Labour force participation among this group is only half that of people without a disability, and even lower for persons with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Three in four respondents not working at the time of the survey reported that their disability had created barriers to employment. Common barriers included adverse employer attitudes, ill-suited work environments, inadequate job modifications, and unmet educational and daily living needs. With disability cited as the main barrier to employment, there is an urgent need for policies to be put in place to increase sustained and meaningful participation in the workforce for individuals with developmental disability. Many barriers to employment could be removed through policies targeted at the workplace (like job training programs, policies that promote accessibility and equal opportunity, employer training, and improved workplace practices) and broader policies promoting social inclusion and educational attainment.

Suggested Citation

  • Jonathan Lai & Stephanie Dunn & Jennifer D. Zwicker, 2017. "Improving Our Understanding of Unmet Needs Among Adults with a Developmental Disability," SPP Communique, The School of Public Policy, University of Calgary, vol. 9(14), November.
    • Handle: RePEc:clh:commun:v:9:y:2017:i:14
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    File URL: https://www.policyschool.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Developmental-Disability-Lai-Dunn-Zwicker.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Carolyn Dudley & David B. Nicholas & Jennifer D. Zwicker, 2015. "What do we know about Improving Employment Outcomes for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder?," SPP Research Papers, The School of Public Policy, University of Calgary, vol. 8(32), September.
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