Employment and mental health of people with disability: summary of research findings from the CRE-DH
Overview
This research review comprehensively examines and summarises the findings of Centre of Research Excellence in Disability and Health (CRE-DH) on employment and mental health among people with disability and generates a series of policy recommendations.
To better understand the research findings, the Disabling Working Environments framework is used to conceptualise the range of experiences people with disability encounter when they enter the labour force, work in jobs, and leave employment and examine the impact of these experiences on mental health, acknowledging the impact of personal (e.g., age, education) and environmental (e.g., availability of jobs, access to health services, discrimination) factors.
Policy recommendations:
This research has indicated four key areas in which policy changes are necessary to improve the employment outcomes, and the mental health, of people with disability.
- Improving job preparedness
- Building effective services
- Promoting inclusive workplaces
- Creating employment opportunities
Conclusion:
Employment is a key way to protect and promote the mental health of people with disability. Policy action focused on improving job preparedness, building effective services, promoting inclusive workplaces, and creating employment opportunities is needed to address the inequalities in employment and resulting mental health outcomes experienced by people with disability