Affiliations: Habeck and Associates, 4163 E Hillandale Drive,
Kalamazoo, MI 49008, USA. E-mail: [email protected] | Virginia Commonwealth University, Rehabilitation
Research and Training Center on Workplace Supports & Job Retention,
Richmond, VA, USA
Note: [] Corresponding author
Abstract: Public policies to stimulate demand side factors that affect the
employment status of people with disabilities need to consider workplace
efforts that support the continued employment of employees who develop work
limitations from any cause (back door factors), as well as the hiring behaviors
of employers (front door factors). Workplace participation rates are influenced
by employment exits as well as placements. Little focus has been given to
preventing separation from employment, despite evidence of the progression to
public disability benefits. Factors that place employees who develop
impairments or work limitations at risk for early exit from employment are
discussed. Preliminary findings from a qualitative study of successful firms
are identified and illustrated with practice examples. Implications of these
effective interventions are raised, including the provision of workplace based
services, the need for accommodations over time, and the role of employer
incentives for retention.
