Why Inclusion Matters: Understanding How Types of Disabilities, Socio-demographic Characteristics and Occupational Aspirations Influence Employment Opportunities among Persons Living with Disabilities

Abstract

The present study investigated the influence of disability types and socio-demographic status of people living with disabilities on employment opportunities. The study also examined how the career aspirations of people living with disabilities could impact the relationship between the variables in our first objectives. A descriptive survey was used to elicit data from 600 people living with disabilities in six Nigerian states. A logistic regression analysis revealed that having the communicative-vision type of disability, having no educational qualification, being a woman, not belonging to the privileged ethnic group, being middle-aged and having only numeracy skill without oral communication and literacy skills all affected negatively the chances of employment among people living with disabilities. Except for ethnic groups, career aspirations mediated the influence of disability types, gender, age, education and basic skills on employment opportunities. The implications of the findings were thereafter discussed.