The right to work is one of the more important human rights, which also holds true for people with intellectual disabilities. People with moderate, severe and profound intellectual disabilities are most often involved in work activities that take place in a sheltered environment (sheltered workshops) in which they have little contact with the local community and people without intellectual disabilities. Meanwhile, research shows that integrated employment, which enables them to be more involved in their local communities, has better impact on individuals with intellectual disabilities then sheltered workshops. Integrated employment also positively impacts their quality of life, especially aspects like social inclusion, social capital and material welfare.
This research examines how each of the two forms of employment affects the quality of life for persons with intellectual disabilities, and also what the main differences between them are in Slovenia. A qualitative research approach was used, and data collection was carried out in two ways: by observation with participation and by semi-structured interviews with service users. The sample consisted of 11 interviewees with moderate or severe intellectual disabilities involved in four different working environments, two forms of employment in sheltered environment and two in integrated employment. Data was later codified and interpreted on the basis of theoretical starting points.
Results of the research show that there are some differences between sheltered workshops and integrated employment, namely in areas of working environment, satisfaction with the employment, relationships and wage. Based on the results, I have found that integrated employment, compared to sheltered workshops, positively influences most of the quality of life aspects. This is true especially in the categories of social inclusion and material wellbeing of persons with intellectual disabilities.
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