Disability Diversity Training in the Workplace: Systematic Review and Future Directions

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Human Resources Management
• Disability Studies

Background:

• Misinformation and negative attitudes towards disability negatively impact employment rates for individuals with disabilities.
• Diversity training aims to enhance intergroup relations and reduce prejudice in the workplace.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the use and effectiveness of disability diversity training.
• To assess the impact of such training on employment outcomes for employees with disabilities.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review of peer-reviewed studies on disability diversity training interventions in the workplace.
• Searched five databases and assessed the methodological quality of included studies.

Main Results:

• Only three studies met the inclusion criteria out of 1322 articles identified.
• Two studies focused on workplace injury outcomes, and one tested a general disability diversity program.
• A significant lack of empirically validated disability diversity training programs was found.

Conclusions:

• There is a current deficit in well-researched, empirically validated disability diversity training programs.
• Existing disability diversity trainings and resources require more rigorous research.
• Integrating best practices in general diversity training with disability-specific resources can guide the development of effective programs.