Towards inclusive workplaces. Requirements for the inclusion of people with disabilities in small and medium sized organizations in the Global South.

Abstract

People with disabilities (pwds) often encounter barriers, physical and social ones, that restrict them from participation in employment. This is especially strongly perceived in the Global South; as many countries struggle with economic development. Minority groups, like people with disabilities, are then often neglected. In this research, the requirements for workplace inclusion in small-and medium sized organizations (SMOs) in low-and middle income countries (LMICs) were explored via an extensive literature review and interviews with employees with disabilities and employers. In addition, global governance guidelines for pwd inclusion were analyzed and the potential for a private sector guideline on workplace inclusion in LMICs was investigated. The results indicate that social accessibility is the most essential for generating workplace inclusion in LMICs. Next to it physical and structural accessibility, skill development and income generation are vital parts of inclusion within the organization. Governments are responsible for providing social protection and subsidies for fostering reasonable adjustments for pwds in SMOs. However, in the Global South they often do not fulfill their role. A platform of SMOs on workplace inclusion requirements could foster dialogue between inclusive businesses and accelerate their progress. Eventually a Code of Conduct could be introduced, with auditing and standard giving scheme. This thesis contributes to the body of literature on pwds inclusion in the Global South, on the potential of SMOs for sustainable development and on the discussion of inclusive business and private sector standard development for pwds workplace empowerment in LMICs.