Organizational Psychologists’ Perceptions on the Inclusion of People with Disabilities in Organizations

Abstract

Difficulties and barriers to including people with disabilities (PwDs) in organizations drives research development. This study sought to understand how organizational psychologists perceived the inclusion of PwDs in organizations. Eighteen organizational psychologists who work in people management for companies in the seven regions of the state of Rio Grande do Sul participated in an individual interview. Most interviewees were female, with average age of 33.17 years, had a postgraduate degree in the field, and worked in companies from different segments. During the interviews, the psychologists called attention to the little or nonexistent content on human disability and, specifically, inclusion in the labor market covered in the graduate course. This gap has been reported by graduates from different higher education institutions since the 1990s. According to the respondents, attitudinal and organizational barriers are often faced in the inclusion process, such as the unpreparedness of companies, managers, and employees to welcome PwD, the few programs aimed at an effective inclusion and not only to comply with the law, as well as the difficulties of the professionals themselves to identify the potentials and limitations that PwD present and to adapt them correctly to the work. Organizational psychologists can contribute to an adequate inclusion process by developing training and sensibilization activities that foster information and reduce discrimination and difficulties.

Keywords:  Organizational Psychology; People with Disability; Inclusion; Barriers; People Management