Environmental Factors that Impact the Workplace Participation of Transition-Aged Young Adults with Brain-Based Disabilities: A Scoping Review

Saeideh Shahin, Meaghan Reitzel, Briano Di Rezze, Sara Ahmed and Dana Anaby
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Saeideh Shahin: School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University; Montreal, QC H3J1Y5, Canada
Meaghan Reitzel: School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University; Hamilton, ON L8S1C7, Canada
Briano Di Rezze: School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University; Hamilton, ON L8S1C7, Canada
Sara Ahmed: School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University; Montreal, QC H3J1Y5, Canada
Dana Anaby: School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University; Montreal, QC H3J1Y5, Canada

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 7, 1-24

Abstract: Workplace participation of individuals with disabilities continues to be a challenge. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) places importance on the environment in explaining participation in different life domains, including work. A scoping review was conducted to investigate environmental facilitators and barriers relevant to workplace participation for transition-aged young adults aged 18–35 with brain-based disabilities. Studies published between 1995 and 2018 were screened by two reviewers. Findings were categorized into the ICF’s environmental domains: Products and technology/Natural environment and human-made changes to environment, Support and relationships, Attitudes, and Services, systems and policies. Out of 11,515 articles screened, 31 were retained. All environmental domains of the ICF influenced workplace participation. The majority of the studies (77%) highlighted factors in the Services, systems and policies domain such as inclusive and flexible systems, and well-defined policies exercised at the organizational level. Social support mainly from family, friends, employers and colleagues was reported as a facilitator (68%), followed by physical accessibility and finally, the availability of assistive technology (55%). Attitudes of colleagues and employers were mostly seen as a barrier to workplace participation (48%). Findings can inform the development of guidelines and processes for implementing and reinforcing policies, regulations and support at the organization level.

Keywords: young adult; employment; workplace; labor force; environmental impacts; social environment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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