Persons with Disabilities (PWD) and Employment Opportunities in the Accra Business District

Abstract

The study was conducted in Accra central and it used descriptive study which adopted qualitative data collection methods. A sample size of twenty (20) respondents was used under this study and a questionnaire. The questionnaire was coded into relationships and analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), Version 16. The results of the study revealed that most of the respondents’ area of disability was lower limb of 80% and others of upper limb of 20%. The type of disability was mostly deformity of 60% with few being amputation of 40%. Concerning the period of disability, it was generally below 10 years. The results revealed that majority of the respondents wanted to work purposely to be financially active and independent, Results from the study further indicated that majority of the respondents indicated that family members and friends were worried about them since they do not have job. whilst others indicated that family members and friends do not care whether they do have job or not. Of those who were not employed, most of the respondents indicated that they are not satisfied with their present state of unemployment. Majority of the respondents indicated that, the purpose of getting jobs to them was for economic empowerment, self-esteem, to avoid dependency on other, and taking care of the family. Challenges faced by PWDs were stigmatisation and illiteracy and resource constraints. The study recommends that there should be a follow up of government incentives to encourage employers to employ people with disabilities, public awareness creation to sensitise the general public on the need to accept and involve PWDs. Also, it is it is imperative for the government and all stakeholders to address attitudinal, informational, physical and institutional barriers that may challenge PWDs in getting employment