Persons with disabilities (PWDs) comprised one-sixth or 15 percent of the world’s population. About 785 million men and women with disabilities or 80 percent are of working age. In the Philippines, of the 92.1 million household population, there are around 1.4 million or 1.57 percent had disability, based on the 2010 Census of Population and Housing. Moreover, PWDs are among the vulnerable groups that needed the utmost attention from the government.
This study has been conducted to create an employment profile of PWDs in selected regions in the Philippines. Using a quota sampling, a total of 150 employed PWDs in the National Capital Region (NCR), Region IVA (CALABARZON), and III (Central Luzon) were selected and surveyed of their profile, employment (past and present), sources of income, trainings acquired and job search experiences. Key findings of the study are the following: (a) The leading occupation among PWDs are categorized as follows: health associate professionals (e.g. masseurs), elementary occupations (e.g. manufacturing laborers, cleaners, helpers) and clerical office clerks; (b) Education and training are critical factors in getting a satisfactory job; (d) PWDs usually rely on their friends and family in job search, followed by training institutions and PWD organizations; (e) There are companies that mainstream the employment of PWDs; (f) Non-government organizations play a significant role in ensuring the smooth transition of PWDs into employment; and (g) there is a need for strict implementation of laws and policies and raising awareness on PWD inclusion and employment.
