Matched-pairs analysis of co-worker interactions in relation to opportunity, type of job, and placement approach

Workers with and without disabilities (n = 85) were studied in an effort to determine whether co-worker relations differed between these employees. Few differences were found. Interactions of co-workers without disabilities with their supported co-workers who had disabilities were remarkably similar to their interactions with other co-workers without disabilities in eight of the nine interaction categories investigated. In the ninth category (befriending off the job), co-workers without disabilities interacted more among themselves. Considering only workers with disabilities, those employed individually in light industry occupations experienced less physical integration than did those employed either in groups or in any other occupation. These findings were discussed in relation to available research.