Affiliations: Department of Occupational Therapy, University of
Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada | Department of Psychology, University of Alberta,
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada | Department of Physical Therapy, University of Alberta,
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Joyce Magill-Evans, Room 2-64,
Corbett Hall, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada AB T6G 2G4. Tel.: +1 780
437 5502; Fax: +1 780 492 4628; E-mail: joyce. [email protected]
Abstract: Objective: To identify the personal, family, and community factors
that facilitate or hinder employment for young adults with developmental motor
disabilities. Methods: Quantitative methods with an embedded qualitative
component were used. Seventy-six persons between the ages of 20 and 30 years of
age (Mean = 25, SD = 3.1) with a diagnosis of either cerebral palsy or spina
bifida completed questionnaires addressing factors such as depression, and
participated in a semi-structured interview that allowed participants to
describe their experiences with education, employment, transportation, and
other services. Results: Almost half of the participants (n = 35) were not
currently employed. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that gender
(females were less likely to be employed), IQ (lower IQ associated with
unemployment), and transportation dependence accounted for 42% of the
variance in employment. Themes emerging from content analysis of the interviews
supported the findings related to transportation barriers. Social reactions to
disability limited employment opportunities, and participants often felt stuck
in terms of employment options with limited opportunities for advancement. Conclusions: Transportation is a significant barrier to
employment and innovative solutions are needed. Issues related to gender need
to be considered when addressing employment inequities for persons with
primarily motor disabilities.
Keywords: Motor disability, employment, gender, young adults
