Enablers and inhibitors of the co-production of disability-inclusive employment: perspectives from people with visual impairment

Abstract

Despite decades of disability rights advocacy, people with disabilities continue to be excluded from meaningfully participating in the labour force. This article examines the enabling and inhibiting factors to the co-production of disability-inclusive employment. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 people with visual impairment working in a social enterprise in Hong Kong. Thematic analyses revealed four enablers of co-production (operationalising an asset-based employment paradigm, devolution of power and control structures, normalisation of work-based performance appraisal and co-production of an inclusive organisational culture) and three inhibitors (internalised devaluation, organisational resource constraints and absence of a supportive employment ecosystem). This article demonstrates that co-production is a useful framework to inform inclusive workplace processes. The findings advance co-production and disability scholarship by revealing the complex interactions between people with disabilities and their work environment. This article argues that the co-production of disability-inclusive employment requires conscientious and active involvement from both employers and employees.