The challenges faced by people with disabilities in relation to workplace accommodation in South Africa

Abstract

People with disabilities have been facing workplace challenges with regard to reasonable accommodations in both developing and developed countries for the past few decades. The United Nations and its Member States have introduced policies and legislation that promote the employment and reasonable accommodation of people with disabilities. However, little has been done to address the challenges faced by people with disabilities concerning workplace accommodations and South Africa is not an exception. The study aims to investigate the challenges faced by people with disabilities in relation to workplace accommodation in higher institutions of learning. The study employs an exploratory research design and adopts a qualitative approach to aid in capturing the thoughts, feelings, and emotions of the respondents. Thirty respondents from the University of Limpopo in South Africa with disabilities and without disabilities were purposively sampled. Semi-structured interviews were conducted using an interview guide. The data collected was analysed using the thematic content analysis. The findings of this study reveal the lack of implementation of disability-related policies, the maintenance of the infrastructure and attracting people with disabilities to apply for vacant posts in the institution. This study recommends regular workshops for employees to be educated on disability issues and strengthen their awareness and knowledge concerning the needs of people with disabilities as well as make their environments accommodative for people with disabilities.