Using Interpretive Policy Analysis To Uncover Meanings About Disability Employment and Income Policy Regarding Young Adults and Education–Employment Pathways

Abstract

While understanding the impact of a specific policy is a common undertaking in policy evaluation research, few researchers focus on the multiple meanings and interpretations of policy held by different actors involved in its conception and implementation. Studying the implementation phase is important when trying to identify policy effectiveness, resistance, and the tangible impact on the problem the policy seeks to address, assuming that there is sufficient agreement about the policy problem and the proposed solution. In our case, we sought to understand disability employment policy regarding young adults and how it was being understood and experienced as a policy in action by various policy actors in the employment services community. To do this, we used an interpretive policy analysis approach. The suitability and benefits of using this methodology will be outlined through our case of Disability Employment Policy on Young Adults.