People with disabilities in the labour market - main challenges, first needs

Abstract

EN The analysis of labour market participation of the working-age population is a complex issue due to the multitude of factors determining this phenomenon, e.g. age, material status, availability of labour market offers to meet individual employee's needs. People with disabilities are undoubtedly among those most at risk of social exclusion, which is clearly indicated and underlined by the issues addressed in this article. The current economic situation in Poland makes it possible for people with disabilities to undertake professional activity, especially in so-called sheltered employment conditions - in sheltered workshops, as well as in open employment conditions - in commercial enterprises. The results of research presented in this article are intended to present the economic situation of people with disabilities in Poland in comparison with other EU countries. Based on the results of own research, carried out in cooperation with a non-profit organisation - one of the most recognisable student associations in Poland - and on statistics from individual EU countries collected by government institutions, a model was created to forecast the demand for jobs in both market environments. The need of people with disabilities both to integrate with non-disabled people and their reluctance to work in closed environments of people with disabilities and the resulting social conditions were recognized.