Research Database: Article Details
| Citation: | Doolabh, N. & Khan, N. (2020). The employment of individuals with hearing impairment in the KwaZulu-Natal private sector: Current employers’ perceptions and experiences. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 52 (1), 109-121. |
| Title: | The employment of individuals with hearing impairment in the KwaZulu-Natal private sector: Current employers’ perceptions and experiences |
| Authors: | Doolabh, N. & Khan, N. |
| Year: | 2020 |
| Journal/Publication: | Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation |
| Publisher: | IOS Press |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.3233/JVR-191064 |
| Full text: | https://content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-vocational-rehabil... | PDF |
| Peer-reviewed? | Yes |
| NIDILRR-funded? | Not reported |
Structured abstract:
| Background: | Despite policies and legislation mandating employment, individuals with hearing impairment continue to face barriers accessing the labour market, and typically experience higher unemployment rates. |
| Purpose: | This study aimed to investigate employers’ perceptions and experiences in recruiting and retaining individuals with hearing impairment in KwaZulu-Natal Provinces’ private sector. |
| Data collection and analysis: | A descriptive questionnaire survey with quantitative methods of analysis was used to obtain information from relevant stakeholders. A total of 30 responses were obtained from the 19 companies who had agreed to participate. |
| Findings: | Participants who used external services during recruitment and retention were more likely to report the benefits of employing individuals with hearing impairment, this being statistically significant (p? |
| Conclusions: | Lack of familiarity with disability and the associated legislation can manifest in erroneous stereotypes, that individuals with disabilities are poor job performers and incapable of working independently. However, with the use of reasonable accommodations, which includes sign language interpreters and desensitization workshops, employers were able to successfully integrate employees who are hearing impaired into the workforce. |
| Disabilities served: |
Deafness Hearing impairment |
| Interventions: |
Vocational rehabilitation |
| Outcomes: |
Employment acquisition Full-time employment |