Barriers and facilitators experienced by individuals with complex communication needs in accessing employment

Worldwide, people with disabilities are facing challenges in accessing the job market. This is particularly challenging for persons with severe disabilities, which includes persons with complex communication needs. In South Africa, individuals with complex communication needs have a low employment rate despite efforts to promote their economic participation through legislation and policy initiatives. This study aimed to identify the obstacles to and enablers of employment for individuals with complex communication needs from their perspective. A qualitative design, with purposively selected participants was employed to gain a comprehensive understanding of the issue. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health framework guided the study. The participants included 24 individuals with complex communication needs, of whom 11 were employed and 13 unemployed. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using conversational qualitative content analysis. The factors that hindered and facilitated the participant's employment were identified and linked to specific ICF codes. Both participants groups reported barriers that were related to the type of disability, limited access to education, a lack of employment opportunities, and negative attitudes. The facilitating factors most frequently reported were related to the availability of employment and rehabilitation services, policy and legislation, and positive personal traits.