Employers’ attitudes towards labour inclusion of persons with borderline intellectual functioning (BIF): An empirical evidence

Abstract

In the vocational rehabilitation of persons with disabilities (BIF), the need to consider the variables related to employer demand is increasingly becoming an important research topic. This empirical research explores the perceptions and attitudes of employers in hiring and retaining people with borderline intellectual functioning (BIF). For this purpose, the Metaplan procedure was used and a focus group was conducted in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) of the Spanish Vinalopó Footwear Cluster. Results showed a significant lack of knowledge and visibility of people with BIF. Lack of financial support to encourage hiring was pointed out by participants in the group as the most relevant barrier; on the contrary, the main advantages identified are those related to corporate social responsibility, as well as image and reputation of the company. Labour difficulties for workers with BIF were also analysed. Lack of skills to organize their own tasks and insufficient job training received the highest score.

Keywords

• borderline intellectual functioning
• employer attitudes
• disability
• employability
• demand-side employment