Recommendations from employees with disabilities for creating inclusive workplaces: Results from a grounded theory investigation

METHODS: Using grounded theory procedures, we interviewed 26 employed individuals with disabilities who were part of a larger investigation examining how employees with disabilities are treated in the workplace. In this article, we present findings in response to the question: 'What can employers do to create more inclusive workplaces in which employees with disabilities are treated with dignity and respect?' RESULTS: Results revealed that it is not only employers who are responsible for creating inclusive workplaces; this responsibility must be shared by employees with disabilities and their co-workers, if an organizational culture of inclusion is to be developed and maintained. Furthermore, the actions of each member of the organization have a reciprocal impact on the other members in terms of making changes to the organizational culture. CONCLUSION: The participants suggested an abundance of strategies to develop a culture that values workers with disabilities, readily provides them with needed job accommodations, and ensures they are treated with dignity and respect. Implications of these findings for business leaders, vocational rehabilitation (VR) professionals, and workers with disabilities are examined. Future research directions are also explored.