Does visibility of disability influence employment opportunities and outcomes? A thematic analysis of multi-stakeholder perspectives

BACKGROUND: Adults with developmental disabilities are significantly un- and under-employed. Little is known about the relationship between visibility of a disability and employment. OBJECTIVE: To explore how visibility of a disability influences employment for adults with developmental disabilities. METHODS: In-depth interviews were done with caregivers, adults with developmental disabilities, and employment support professionals. Content related to visibility/invisibility of disability was thematically analyzed. RESULTS: Three main themes, with 10 sub-themes, emerged: (i) Dispelling Myths: Assumptions Related to Disability; (ii) Rock and a Hard Place: Disclosing 'Invisible' Disability; (iii) Finders-Keepers: Easier to find, but not keep, a job with invisible disability. CONCLUSIONS: Assumptions about disability underpinned employment-related challenges experienced by adults with developmental disabilities. Our findings highlight the need for employment initiatives that go beyond skill-based training to target social barriers of employment, such as stigma and lack of disability knowledge.