Intersecting Marginalized Identities Among People With Disabilities: Impact on Access to Employment Support Resources and Employment Outcomes

Abstract

Purpose:

This study examined whether demographic factors influence disparities in resources supporting employment (RSE) and employment outcomes among people with disabilities (PWD).

Methods:

The study included 920 working-age, community-dwelling individuals with multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, spinal cord injury, or postpolio syndrome. Zero-inflated multilevel Poisson regression models were used to assess the effects of RSE on employment outcomes (employment status and working hours for pay) and disparities in RSE (awareness and level of availability). The primary reason for not working was analyzed in relation to demographic factors.

Results:

Although greater RSE availability was associated with lower unemployment, PWD with lower education or household income reported reduced access to these resources. Significant three-way interaction effects among education, household income, and RSE on employment were observed. People with disabilities with lower education and household income were more likely to cite health limitations and reliance on disability pensions as reasons for not working.

Conclusion:

Marginalized PWD have reduced access to RSE, which in turn adversely affects employment outcomes, particularly among those with lower education and household income. Promoting equitable employment opportunities requires targeted allocation of RSE that addresses the unique barriers faced by marginalized PWD based on education and income.

Keywords

employment disparity socioeconomic status disability accommodation equity

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