A study of employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in the public sector in Kedah

• Main Author: Noor Fazlina, Abd Kadir
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English; English; English
• Published: 2018
• Subjects: HF5549-5549.5 Personnel Management. Employment; HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform
• Online Access: https://etd.uum.edu.my/8828/1/s814092_01.pdf; https://etd.uum.edu.my/8828/2/s814092_02.pdf; https://etd.uum.edu.my/8828/3/s814092_references.docx; https://etd.uum.edu.my/8828/

Employment is one of the essential necessities in the life of each person, including persons with disabilities (PWD). However, their desires to actively participate in the job market, to become economically self-reliant and contribute to national economic development, are stunted by the many obstacles they face. Generally, PWD all over the world are at high risk of unemployment. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify the factors that influence employment opportunities for PWD in the public sector in Kedah. Three factors are identified in relation to lack of recruitment of PWD in the public sector, which are physical facilities, social environment and organizational policies. The population for this study is all government agencies in Kedah, comprising all levels of employees, i.e., support, professional and management and top management groups. A random sampling method was chosen to conduct this study. The data were analysed using Statistic Package for the Social Science (SPSS) software. The findings from regression analysis show only two variables, physical facilities and social environment have significant relationship towards employment opportunities of the PWD. Several recommendations and suggestions are put forth to prevent discrimination against PWD or their being neglected during the employment process. The Government should be more aggressive in hiring PWD in the public sector, in order to fulfil the One Percent Employment Policy in the Public Sector established in 1988. Statistics currently show the achievement of this policy is still lagging far behind. In addition, the Government also should play an important role in the governance of the acts and policies regarding the employability of PWD in both private and public sectors. Further, moral support and positive attitude from all levels of society are crucial for enhancing the self-esteem of PWD.