Hiring outside the box: A look at how employers overcome the social stigmas when hiring individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) face hurdles when seeking employment in society. Even with the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), these individuals face challenges that those without IDD seemingly avoid. The employment rate of adults with IDD (17.9%) is considerably lower than that of adults without IDD (61.8%) (Bureau of Labor Statistics, October 2020). Coupled with the disparity in unemployment rates, individuals with IDD face social stigmas, stereotypes, and employers’ personal attitudes which lower their opportunities for competitive employment. Even with the odds against them, there are still employers who will hire individuals with IDD. This study examined the perceptions regarding employability and how employers have found ways to get past the societal attitudes, remove any barriers of inequality, and employ individuals with IDD. Through a qualitative design, a phenomenological approach was used to describe and evaluate the motivation employers possess in hiring individuals with IDD. Through data collection methods of surveys, checklists, and virtual interviews, the results of this study showed employers are willing to hire individuals with IDD that are capable of performing the duties of the job. When focusing on the abilities of individuals with IDD, it outweighs any negative stigmas or outside influences regarding individuals with IDD. Finally, the study highlighted the experiences of employers in hiring individuals with IDD and provided specific steps that can encourage other employers to follow suit.