Research Database: Article Details

Citation:  Rodriguez, J.N.; Marini, I.; Chen, R.K.; & Tanguma, J. (2020). An exploratory factor analysis: Factors influencing employers’ disposition to hire and retain persons with disabilities. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 52 (1), 89-100.
Title:  An exploratory factor analysis: Factors influencing employers’ disposition to hire and retain persons with disabilities
Authors:  Rodriguez, J.N.; Marini, I.; Chen, R.K.; & Tanguma, J.
Year:  2020
Journal/Publication:  Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation
Publisher:  IOS Press
DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3233/JVR-191062
Full text:  https://content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-vocational-rehabil...    |   PDF   
Peer-reviewed?  Yes
NIDILRR-funded?  Not reported

Structured abstract:

Background:  There is a significant disparity in employment rates for persons with disabilities when compared to persons without disabilities. Understanding factors that influence employers’ disposition to hire and retain persons with disabilities is the first step in developing an educational intervention plan that is conducive to employers being more receptive to hiring persons with disabilities.
Purpose:  The purpose of this study is to survey and explore factors that influence employer’s disposition to hire and retain persons with disabilities and devise a scale that goes beyond attitudes.
Data collection and analysis:  To assess the factor structure and internal consistency of the new scale an exploratory factor analysis was performed on the survey response items to establish reliability and validity. Data was collected from employers located in Cameron and Hidalgo counties located in the Border Region of South Texas (N?=?190).
Findings:  The results from the exploratory factor analysis provided a four-factor solution with 16 items. The factors were labeled Fears and Concerns, Employers Resources for Persons with Disabilities, ADA Competence, and Knowledge of Disability. The scale demonstrated overall internal consistency of .709.
Conclusions:  The discussion focuses on utility of the scale, recommendations for future research and limitations for the study.

Disabilities served:  Autism / ASD
Blindness
Cerebral palsy
Chronic mental illness
Cognitive / intellectual impairment
Deafness
Developmental disabilities
Down syndrome
Hearing impairment
Learning disabilities
Multiple sclerosis
Muscular dystrophy
Spinal cord injury (SCI)
Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Visual impairment
Severe physical disability
Multiple disabilities
Interventions:  Supported employment
Vocational rehabilitation
Customized employment
Transition services
Outcomes:  Employment acquisition
Full-time employment
Part-time employment