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2023 | Book

Introduction—Disability and Discrimination Read chapter Read first chapter

Disability in the Workplace

A Caribbean Perspective

Authors: Jacqueline H. Stephenson, Natalie Persadie

Publisher: Springer International Publishing

Book Series : Palgrave Explorations in Workplace Stigma

Part of: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Wirtschaft"

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About this book

This work critically examines diversity, discrimination, and inclusion in the English-speaking Caribbean nations, with a specific emphasis on persons with disabilities. The chapters include an evaluative analysis on the extant theoretical and empirical literature on persons with disabilities in employment, exploring the nature of their disability, the role of information technology in gaining and retaining employment, and an analysis of the laws and relevant policies which prohibit the discrimination against persons with disabilities in the Caribbean region. Though the enactment of legislation outlawing the discrimination of persons with disabilities is not widespread in the Caribbean, a few select territories have taken positive steps towards recognition of the need to achieve inclusion of persons with disabilities and accept the diversity of the Caribbean populace.
After exploring the general state of disability and discrimination in the Caribbean region, the authors analyze workplace accommodations provided to persons with disability, particularly as relations to IT and assistive devices, before focusing on workplace stigmas related to mental health disability and employment law.
In addition to literature-based analyses, the book includes qualitative case studies, with the goal of providing benchmarks in organizational responses to employees with disabilities. Further, the authors highlight lessons to be learned from other countries in addressing inequality in the workplace for disabled persons.
With its analysis of employment as well as socio-economic and legal issues, this interdisciplinary text will serve as a useful resource in not only understanding the organizational challenges faced by persons with disabilities in the region but also the necessary legislation needed to address discriminatory practices on a wider scale.

Table of Contents

Frontmatter
Chapter 1. Introduction—Disability and Discrimination
Abstract
In this book, we explore the workplace experiences, opportunities, and challenges as it relates to the heterogeneity of persons with disabilities. In this chapter, we outline the scope of the text and importantly, the interrelated nature of diversity, discrimination, inclusion and equality in the English-speaking Caribbean, specifically in relation to persons with disabilities, within the context of employment. Many of the islands of the Commonwealth Caribbean have signalled their commitment to inclusivity, diversity and the reduction of disparate treatment for persons with disabilities, by becoming signatories to the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which entered into force in 2008 and aims to “promote, protect and ensure the human rights, dignity and fundamental freedoms of all persons with disabilities”. Moreover, some Anglo-Caribbean islands have enacted legislation which (congruent with the directives of the CRPD) prohibit discrimination on the basis of disabilities, within the context of education, employment and the provision of goods and services.
Jacqueline H. Stephenson, Natalie Persadie
Chapter 2. The Nature of Disabilities in the Caribbean
Abstract
This chapter will examine the causes of disabilities in the English-speaking Caribbean region and the extent of their impact on the life of the affected person(s), specifically as it relates to employment. In the Caribbean region, the frequently reported causes of disabilities include accidents (work related and vehicular), chronic illnesses (e.g. diabetes) and other health conditions, gun violence and gender-based violence (ECLAC, 2019; Gayle, 2005; World Bank, 2019). Within the context of employment, it has been argued that knowledge of the nature and origin of an individual’s disability, may influence whether and the extent to which a person with disabilities is engaged by an organisation, and treated fairly (Stone & Colella, 1996). Thus, the value of members of this group is assessed through various characteristics including but not limited to their aesthetic qualities, the origin of their disability, the extent to which their disability can be concealed, and whether or not making accommodations for PWD is likely to be disruptive and the potential danger which persons with disabilities are either known to, or, believed to pose.
Jacqueline H. Stephenson, Natalie Persadie
Chapter 3. Education and Persons with Disabilities in the Caribbean: A Law and Policy Perspective
Abstract
Many people with disabilities face barriers which prevent their full and equal participation in society. Issues that many take for granted, such as access to physical, as well as digital, spaces, can disproportionally affect persons with disabilities. This is especially true of educational opportunities. This has a ripple effect throughout the life of a person with disabilities, as it restricts personal development early on and then job prospects and autonomy in adulthood. These challenges have a cumulative effect, making it significantly more difficult for persons with disabilities to find employment or generate an income. Noteworthy, however, is the fact that it is not the disability itself that is the barrier, but rather the paucity or absence of accommodating physical and electronic infrastructure, funding, technology and teacher training, among other issues. Persons with disabilities face very similar issues in the Caribbean, where legal and policy approaches are slowly emerging. This chapter provides an examination of the legal and policy approaches of the English-speaking Caribbean countries in addressing disability and education. This overview is done primarily on the basis of international legal obligations and existing domestic statute and policy that address the education of persons with disabilities.
Jacqueline H. Stephenson, Natalie Persadie
Chapter 4. Disability, Information Technology, Assistive Devices and Employment in the Caribbean
Abstract
This chapter analyses workplace provisions, such as information technology and assistive devices and whether and the extent to which, they are likely to provide the support required by persons with disabilities, such that their duties towards the organisation’s goals are achieved and any obstacles to productivity and job satisfaction are mediated (Vornholt et al., 2018). Extant Caribbean laws which prohibit discrimination against persons with disabilities, require employers to make accommodations for persons with disabilities, where needed. Whether or not organisations are willing to make accommodations, may be one of the most fundamental considerations for persons with disabilities, with respect to obtaining and retaining seeking employment. It is important to note that organisations are not mandated by law to make any changes that will be unduly financially burdensome. Continued innovations in technology have facilitated the ongoing development of software applications (apps) and devices that adapt the physical environment such that the limitations which were previously faced by persons with disabilities can be overcome (Blanck et al., 2007; Morris, 2018; Wehmeyer et al., 2006).
Jacqueline H. Stephenson, Natalie Persadie
Chapter 5. Mental Health Disabilities and Work in the Caribbean Region
Abstract
Of the types of disabilities which exist, mental health disabilities are perhaps the most stigmatised. Some of the prevailing stereotypes associated with mental illnesses include, (but are not limited to), beliefs that they may be unpredictable, unproductive, difficult with whom to work, their condition likely to deteriorate at any point in time, and they will either harm others or become disruptive in a workplace setting, and as such, they are regarded as less desirable employees, than persons with physical disabilities (Ali et al., 2013; Ren et al., 2008). As a consequence, it is more likely that an employee will reveal physical limitations rather than mental health challenges. This chapter will examine the engagement of persons with mental health challenges in contemporary organisations. It is evident that discriminating against individuals with mental illness by excluding them from the workforce, or stigmatising them at work, contributes to further declines in their mental health and wellness and consequently, has an adverse impact on the economies of the Caribbean.
Jacqueline H. Stephenson, Natalie Persadie
Chapter 6. Neurodiversity in the Anglophone Caribbean
Abstract
The term neurodiversity is not one which is used in popular discourse in the Caribbean, though the conditions which are classified as such are widely recognised. Persons who are neurodivergent face challenges with social acceptance and equal access to employment, education and access to necessary goods and services (Graby, 2015; Jaarsma & Welin, 2012). Prejudicial attitudes associated with persons with atypical cognitive processes could result in the perception that the employment and retention of neurodivergent individuals will not add value to the workplace, and as such, the benefits associated with any accommodations which they may require, may not be regarded as justified by their costs (Krzeminska et al., 2019). Notwithstanding this, there are several modifications to human resource practices, (which are not cost prohibitive), which workplaces may adopt, with a view of ameliorating the deleterious effect of the typical workplace, on neurodivergent employees and organisational stakeholders. There is a paucity of literature on neurodiversity in the Caribbean and consequently, this chapter critically analyses whether and the extent to which neurodiversity is understood and accommodated by contemporary Caribbean workplaces, with a view of facilitating the optimal contribution of this marginalised group.
Jacqueline H. Stephenson, Natalie Persadie
Chapter 7. Disability, Employment and the Law: A Caribbean Outlook
Abstract
Employment opportunities for persons with disabilities are often limited, due to the structural barriers they face, throughout the course of having the disability. This prevents them from realising their full potential and consequently limits their full and equal participation in society. Persons with disabilities face not only unemployment, but also underemployment even where they are able to secure a job. In comparison to their peers without known disabilities, they experience significantly lower rates of employment and earn less, causing them to experience disadvantage, exclusion and discrimination in the labour market, as they face unequal unemployment circumstances. Most Caribbean countries have enacted laws to protect the rights of persons with disabilities within employment, education and the provision of goods and services. This chapter will review the legal protections and support provided by Caribbean countries in addressing the challenges faced by persons with disabilities who seek or have employment. This overview is done primarily on the basis of international legal obligations and existing domestic law as it relates to disability in employment to determine how the various Caribbean governments have attempted to address such matters through law.
Jacqueline H. Stephenson, Natalie Persadie
Chapter 8. Disability, Employment and the Law: Lessons for Caribbean Countries from Australia and the United Kingdom
Abstract
Over one hundred and twenty (120) countries have enacted legislation with a view to abolishing “discrimination against persons with disabilities and eliminate barriers towards the full enjoyment of their rights and their inclusion in society” (United Nations, n.d. [b]). Most English-speaking Caribbean countries have adopted similar legislation, embodying principles of equality and/or non-discrimination. Notably, these are all very recent additions to the statute books of each country, the earliest having been enacted in the year 2000. While similar legislation also has only been recently adopted in other jurisdictions, implementation of the law may have evolved differently and more quickly. In doing so, the effectiveness of the legislation would have been highlighted and recommendations for improvements suggested. Such recommendations concerning the effectiveness of the laws could provide insight into improving the effectiveness of the laws of the relevant English-speaking Caribbean countries. Consequently, this chapter considers the experience of two common law jurisdictions, namely the United Kingdom and Australia, in the implementation of their respective disability or equal rights legislation as it relates to employment of persons with disabilities and lessons which can be learned from their experiences.
Jacqueline H. Stephenson, Natalie Persadie
Chapter 9. Experiences of Disabled Persons in Employment in the Caribbean Region
Abstract
This chapter consists of qualitative case reports based on the experiences of persons with differing disabilities across the Caribbean region. Each case study will outline the nature of the individual’s disability and their experiences in seeking, obtaining and retaining full employment. Interviewees committed 30–40 minutes to the interviews which were conducted via Zoom, at their convenience. All protocols regarding vulnerable groups and ethics approvals were received from the University of the West Indies prior to the start of this project. Every effort was made by the interviewers to disguise the identity of the interviewees when providing the interview summaries. To this end the names used herein are pseudonyms and their professions were changed to preserve their anonymity. The accounts from three interviewees are described here along with analysis of the relevant literature offering insights into employees with amputations, employees with non-work-related injuries and employees who have been diagnosed with a depressive disorder. In addition, following each interviewee’s report, is a review of the extant literature in relation to each of the disabilities discussed.
Jacqueline H. Stephenson, Natalie Persadie
Chapter 10. Conclusion
Abstract
In this text, discussions focused on disabilities within Anglophone Caribbean organisations, specifically to critically examine diversity, inclusion, and discrimination for persons with disabilities, within the workforce. The nature of impairments and disorders which affect persons with disabilities (PWD) in the Caribbean and their ability to gain and retain suitable employment were examined, and we found the existence of a hierarchy of impairments, which permeates employment practice, such that, some impairments are less discriminated against relative to others (Smith, 2012). Notwithstanding the number of Caribbean islands who have become signatories to the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the subsequent enactment of the requisite anti-discrimination laws, the expected comprehensive changes as it relates to (improving the fortunes of) persons with disabilities and employees with disabilities have not been fully realized. The insights offered in this text, provide tools of clarification and direction and will act as a catalyst of change for stakeholders towards a more diverse, inclusive and equitable Anglophone Caribbean region.
Jacqueline H. Stephenson, Natalie Persadie
Backmatter
Metadata
Title
Disability in the Workplace
Authors
Jacqueline H. Stephenson
Natalie Persadie
Copyright Year
2023
Electronic ISBN
978-3-031-19340-8
Print ISBN
978-3-031-19339-2
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-19340-8