Disability Phenotypes and Job Accommodations Utilization Among People with Physical Disability.
Han Su, Jasin Wong, Angelika Kudla and 8 others
PMID 36323833WHAT IT FOUND
Most workers with physical disabilities used only two accommodations, often flexible hours or telework.
Those with severe multi-domain disability used more, while those with high physical disability alone used fewer equipment modifications. Self-employed individuals and wheelchair users secured more accommodations overall.
Key findings
01The median number of job accommodations used was two, with flexible schedules, telework, and support persons being the most common.
02Participants with severe disability across all domains used more accommodations than those with high physical disability alone, who were less likely to receive equipment or work area modifications.
03Wheelchair use and self-employment were associated with a greater number of accommodations, while jobs requiring extensive preparation were associated with fewer.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The sample was not nationally representative, skewing White, highly educated, and located in the Midwest US with internet access. Data was self-reported and retrospective, subject to recall bias. The study focused on pre-pandemic work experiences, which may not reflect current remote work norms. Only individuals with work experience after disability were included, excluding those who could not return to work.
Declared interests
Funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR). No other conflicts declared.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume that patients with severe multi-domain disabilities are naturally receiving more appropriate care. The data shows they use more accommodations, but those with high physical disability alone are significantly less likely to get essential equipment modifications, suggesting a gap in service provision for that specific group.