Affiliations: University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA, USA | America's Strength Foundation, Ellicott City, MD,
USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Gary N. Siperstein, Center for
Social Development and Education, University of Massachusetts Boston, 100
Morrissey Blvd., Boston, MA 02125, USA. Tel.: +1 617 287 7250; Fax: +1 617 287
7249; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: Employers' negative attitudes and fears have long been a barrier to
the employment of individuals with disabilities. Accordingly, attitude
literature on the employment of people with disabilities has focused almost
exclusively on employers. However, due to their influence over business
practices, the successful employment of people with disabilities is also
contingent on the views of the consumer. This study extends previous studies
that focused on the attitudes of employers, and went directly to the consumer.
Consumer attitudes toward companies that hire individuals with disabilities
were assessed through a national public survey (N=803).
Most of the participants (75%) had direct experience with people with
disabilities in a work environment. Moreover, these experiences were positive.
All participants responded positively towards companies that are socially
responsible, including 92% of consumers who felt more favorable toward those
that hire individuals with disabilities. The participants also had strong
positive beliefs about the value and benefits of hiring people with
disabilities, with 87% specifically agreeing that they would prefer to give
their business to companies that hire individuals with disabilities.
Implications of consumer support on company hiring practices are discussed.
Keywords: Employment of people with disabilities, consumer attitudes, business and disability
