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Disability Diversity Training in the Workplace: Systematic Review and Future Directions

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Abstract

Purpose Misinformation and negative attitudes toward disability contribute to lower employment rates among people with disabilities. Diversity training is an intervention intended to improve intergroup relations and reduce prejudice. We conducted a systematic review to determine the use and effectiveness of disability diversity training aimed at improving employment outcomes for employees with disabilities. Methods Five databases were searched for peer-reviewed studies of disability diversity training interventions provided within the workplace. Studies identified for inclusion were assessed for quality of methodology. Results Of the total of 1322 articles identified by the search, three studies met the criteria for inclusion. Two of the three articles focused specifically on training to improve outcomes related to workplace injuries among existing employees. The other study provided an initial test of a more general disability diversity training program. Conclusions There is currently a lack of empirically validated diversity training programs that focus specifically on disability. A number of disability diversity trainings and resources exist, but none have been well researched. Related literature on diversity training and disability awareness suggests the possibility for enhancing diversity training practices through training design, content, participant, and outcomes considerations. By integrating best practices in workplace diversity training with existing disability training resources, practitioners and researchers may be able to design effective disability diversity training programs.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA

    Brian N. Phillips, Jon Deiches, Blaise Morrison & Fong Chan

  2. University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO, USA

    Jill L. Bezyak

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Correspondence to Brian N. Phillips.

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Authors Brian N. Phillips, Jon Deiches, Blaise Morrison, and Fong Chan declare that their work on this project was partially supported by the following research grant: The National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research Grant H133B13001 to Virginia Commonwealth University, Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Employment of People with Physical Disabilities. The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the endorsement or position of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Author Jill L. Bezyak declares that she has no conflict of interest.

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Phillips, B.N., Deiches, J., Morrison, B. et al. Disability Diversity Training in the Workplace: Systematic Review and Future Directions. J Occup Rehabil 26, 264–275 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-015-9612-3

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