| dc.description.abstract | People with disabilities (pwds) often encounter barriers, physical and social ones, that restrict them from
participation in employment. This is especially strongly perceived in the Global South; as many countries
struggle with economic development. Minority groups, like people with disabilities, are then often
neglected. In this research, the requirements for workplace inclusion in small-and medium sized
organizations (SMOs) in low-and middle income countries (LMICs) were explored via an extensive
literature review and interviews with employees with disabilities and employers. In addition, global
governance guidelines for pwd inclusion were analyzed and the potential for a private sector guideline on
workplace inclusion in LMICs was investigated. The results indicate that social accessibility is the most
essential for generating workplace inclusion in LMICs. Next to it physical and structural accessibility, skill
development and income generation are vital parts of inclusion within the organization. Governments are
responsible for providing social protection and subsidies for fostering reasonable adjustments for pwds in
SMOs. However, in the Global South they often do not fulfill their role. A platform of SMOs on workplace
inclusion requirements could foster dialogue between inclusive businesses and accelerate their progress.
Eventually a Code of Conduct could be introduced, with auditing and standard giving scheme. This thesis
contributes to the body of literature on pwds inclusion in the Global South, on the potential of SMOs for
sustainable development and on the discussion of inclusive business and private sector standard
development for pwds workplace empowerment in LMICs. | |
