Work Opportunities for Youth with Intellectual Disabilities Through Sports Events: Hidden Treasures in a Disabling Environment

Sandra Wadzanayi Kasu (), Amshuda Sonday, Tecla Mlambo and Theresa Lorenzo
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Sandra Wadzanayi Kasu: Division of Disability Studies, Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa
Amshuda Sonday: Division of Occupational Therapy, Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa
Tecla Mlambo: Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare P. O. Box AV178, Zimbabwe
Theresa Lorenzo: Division of Disability Studies, Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa

Disabilities, 2025, vol. 5, issue 3, 1-18

Abstract: Background : Youth with intellectual disabilities are often marginalised and discriminated against regarding skills development and work opportunities as society seems to place high value on an individual’s intellect. Unemployment levels for youth with intellectual disabilities are significantly higher than youth in the general population, yet youth with intellectual disabilities can become valuable employees. This paper explores the untapped potential for youth with disabilities to access skill development opportunities through participation in sports organisations and events that enable them to become economically active. Methodology : A critical ethnographic approach was adopted as the research design. The sample included six youth with intellectual disabilities, five parents, two vocational trainers, two sports coaches, and two golf managers. Data was gathered through participant observations, semi structured interviews, and reflective journaling. Data was analysed using thematic analysis. Findings : The theme “Hidden treasures in a disabling environment” emerged, highlighting the untapped potential of youth with intellectual disabilities to engage in livelihood activities through participation in sports events. One subtheme was “Invisible and well-hidden resources” reflecting remote training centres leading to missed work opportunities. Research findings highlighted that youth with intellectual disabilities possessed marketable skills, alongside the discovery of substantial unexplored livelihood opportunities in the workforce of sports events.

Keywords: livelihoods development; employment; decent work; youth; intellectual disability; community-based rehabilitation; vocational training; sports (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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