There is no uniform definition of disability. It is a multifaceted, complex, evolving, and often contested term. Generally, the term “disability” refers to physical or mental impairments that limit a person’s ability to participate in daily life activities. However, disability is also shaped by attitudinal and environmental barriers that limit people’s full social, political, and economic participation.8 Put another way, many people with disabilities only have trouble participating in daily life activities due to the inaccessibility of their social environments. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) provides the conceptual framework used by the World Health Organization (WHO) to study disability. This framework encapsulates the dynamic interaction between individuals’ health conditions and the features of the social and personal environments in which  they live.

According to a new working paper from the International Labour Organization (ILO), individuals with disabilities also face higher unemployment rates and are more likely to be self- employed. Finds that those with disabilities who are working are paid 12 per cent less per hour than other employees, on average, and that three-quarters of this gap – 9 per cent – cannot be explained by differences in education, age and type of work. In low and lower middle-income countries this disability wage gap is much larger, at 26 per cent, and almost half cannot be explained by socio-demographic differences.

Woman with disability working on computer with prosthetic arm

The situation is worse for women with disabilities, who also face a substantial gender pay gap compared to their male counterparts. On average, in 14 countries where gender disaggregated data were available, there was a 6 per cent gender pay gap between women and men with disabilities in developed countries and a 5 per cent gap in developing countries.

It’s estimated that 1.3 billion people, or nearly one-in-six of the global population, experience significant disability (2021 figure). With only 3 in 10 disabled people active in the labour market, their overall labour market participation rate is very low and progress towards greater inclusion has been relatively slow.

The findings further suggest that people with disabilities may tend towards self-employment because of the potentially greater flexibility it offers in terms of working hours, access to work facilities and avoidance of discrimination.

Moreover, the ILO paper puts forward a number of measures to improve the labour market participation of individuals with disabilities, including making online recruitment and related processes more accessible, greater support for employers to encourage the hiring of persons with disabilities and supporting disabled employees with appropriate adaptation measures to facilitate their work.
In recent years, lawmakers have increasingly recognized the urgent need to break down barriers to employment, upward mobility, and economic security for people with disabilities. In order to eradicate poverty for those with disabilities, society must work to disrupt the mythologies that have been used to justify inequity; it must also address the barriers facing workers with disabilities who, despite their labor, are unable to make ends meet. Moreover, lawmakers need to advance policies that pave the way for all people to have access to affordable and accessible housing, transportation, health care, and nutrition.Ensuring employment, fair wages, and social security for people with disabilities is essential for fostering an inclusive society. By implementing these issues, we can create a world where the disabled people have the opportunity to contribute  to their communities and promote their full potential. Employers, policymakers, and society jointly break down barriers and promote equality for all.

Access to meaningful employment is vital for people with disabilities, as it fosters independence and self-sufficiency. Employers should be encouraged to implement inclusive hiring practices that focus on the skills and talents of candidates rather than their disabilities. Additionally, providing reasonable accommodations in the workplace can help create an environment where individuals with disabilities can thrive and contribute effectively to their organizations
Fair compensation is crucial for the economic stability of individuals with disabilities. Many face barriers that prevent them from earning a living wage, which can lead to financial insecurity. It is important for policymakers to advocate for wage equality and ensure that individuals with disabilities are compensated fairly for their work. This includes enforcing laws that prohibit discrimination in pay and promoting initiatives that support career advancement for people with disabilities

Robust social security systems play a significant role in supporting individuals with disabilities. These systems should provide adequate financial assistance to those who are unable to work due to their disabilities. Moreover, social security programs should be designed to encourage individuals to seek employment without the fear of losing their benefits. By creating a safety net that supports both employment and financial stability, society can empower individuals with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives
Social protection systems play a key role in meeting the specific needs of persons with disabilities with regard to income security, social health protection and social inclusion. Disability benefits are one of the elements of social protection systems that explicitly address disability-related needs and provide income support to persons with disabilities and their families. These include both contributory schemes (disability pensions), as well as non-contributory disability benefits.

In addition, schemes and programmes that support the (re-)integration of persons with disabilities into the labour market and facilitate their participation in employment also play a key role in promoting independent living and income security. In this respect, financial support to cover the disability-related costs associated with having a job can help persons with disabilities to avoid falling into poverty traps and facilitate their participation in productive employment.

Social health protection and other mechanisms to ensure universal health coverage also play a key role in responding to health-related needs.
In conclusion, ensuring employment, fair wages, and social security for people with disabilities is essential for fostering an inclusive society. By addressing these issues, we can create a world where individuals with disabilities have the opportunity to contribute to their communities and achieve their full potential. It is the responsibility of employers, policymakers, and society as a whole to work together to break down barriers and promote equality for all.