Perspective on Employment Opportunities of People with Disabilities in San Gabriel, La Union

• Main Authors: Retuerne, Chali Grace R., Baguistan, Maven Angela D., Caliboso, Jasmine J., Libadia, Elisha Joyce N., Lozano, Raven Jay A., Nobleza, Ma. Katrine M., Tomas, Danielle Angeli B., Velasco, Bon Gregory D.
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2021
• Subjects: PWDs; employment; opportunities; interventions; difficulties
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/conf_shsrescon/2021/paper_spl/4; https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/context/conf_shsrescon/article/1706/viewcontent/Retuerne_et_al..pdf
• Institution: De La Salle University

For PWDs, employment is not only a way to gain income; it also gives a chance to showcase untapped skills, provide opportunities and allow social inclusion. However, PWDs still experience common patterns of discrimination and suffer high unemployment rates. In spite of several promotions worldwide, the employment rate is considerably lower for PWDs than for people without disabilities. This study sought to know the status of inclusion of PWDs in employment in San Gabriel, La Union, the opportunities present, and the interventions to address them. The descriptive qualitative design was utilized in this study. A semi-structured interview was conducted with the PWDs. Thematization was used to analyze the responses. Results revealed that the respondents face difficulties in finding a job before the pandemic because of the limited number of jobs available and became even more challenging during the pandemic due to imposed restrictions. Although they find it difficult because of limitations, results showed that they are not discriminated against in the workplace. Moreover, the available employment opportunities for PWDs are classified under blue-collar jobs. Additionally, respondents recommend giving attention to PWDs in order to address the employment opportunities through interventions. The researchers concluded that the status of inclusion of PWDs in employment is considerably low because of the limited jobs available. Similarly, work opportunities are also insufficient. Interventions to address the employment opportunities include facilitating programs and skills training for PWDs and opening simple job positions in the municipality or barangays.