Employability of individuals with varying disabilities and costs of needed workplace accommodations

The present study examined the relationship between an individual's disability and needed workplace accommodations and employability. The participants for this study were businessmen and businesswomen in Southwestern Virginia who possessed the ability to hire employees. Results indicated that an individual with a physical disability was thought of as more employable and favorable than a nondisabled individual, a blind individual, and an obese individual. Results also indicated that a physically disabled individual would be hired before a blind individual and an obese individual when workplace accommodations were needed. One possible explanation for these findings is that it is desirable to hire someone with a disability so that a company will possess the appearance of being diversified. Future studies may investigate the differences between small businesses and large businesses as it relates to the employing of individuals with disabilities.