Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Participant Recruitment for Studies on Disability and Work: Challenges and Solutions

  • Published:
Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose A number of key issues related to employment of persons with disabilities demand ongoing and effective lines of inquiry. There is evidence, however, that work researchers struggle with recruitment of participants, and that this may limit the types and appropriateness of methods selected. This two phase study sought to identify the nature of recruitment challenges in workplace-based disability research, and to identify strategies for addressing identified barriers. Methods The first phase of this study was a scoping review of the literature to identify the study designs and approaches frequently used in this field of inquiry, and the success of the various recruitment methods in use. In the second phase, we used qualitative methods to explore with employers and other stakeholders in the field their perceived challenges related to participating in disability-related research, and approaches that might address these. Results The most frequently used recruitment methods identified in the literature were non-probability approaches for qualitative studies, and sampling from existing worker databases for survey research. Struggles in participant recruitment were evidenced by the use of multiple recruitment strategies, and heavy reliance on convenience sampling. Employers cited a number of barriers to participation, including time pressures, fear of legal reprisal, and perceived lack of relevance to the organization. Conclusions Participant recruitment in disability-related research is a concern, particularly in studies that require collection of new data from organizations and individuals, and where large probability samples and/or stratified or purposeful samples are desirable. A number of strategies may contribute to improved success, including development of participatory research models that will enhance benefits and perceived benefits of workplace involvement.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Sickness, disability and work: breaking the barriers. A synthesis of findings across OECD countries. Paris: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development; 2010.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Weathers RR II, Wittenburg DC. Employment. In: Stapleton RR, Weathers II RR, Burkhauser RV, editors. Counting working-age people with disabilities. Kalamazoo: Upjohn Institute; 2009.

    Google Scholar 

  3. Buckup S. The economic consequences of excluding people with disabilities from the world of work. Geneva: International Labor Organization; 2009. Report No.: 63.

  4. Anseel F, Lievens F, Schollaert E, Choragwicka B. Response rate in organizational science, 1995–2008: a meta-analytic review and guidelines for survey researchers. J Bus Psychol. 2010;25:335–49.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Applebaum H. The anthropology of work in industrial society. Anthropol Work Rev. 1986;7:25–32.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Carter EW, Trainor AA, Ditchman N, Swedeen B, Owens L. Community-based summer work experiences of adolescents with high-incidence disabilities. J Spec Educ. 2011;45(2):89–103.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Hernandez B, Keys C, Balcazar F. Employer attitudes toward workers with disabilities and their ADA employment rights: a literature review. J Rehabil. 2000;66(4):4–16.

    Google Scholar 

  8. Leucking RG. Emerging employer views of people with disabilities and the future of job development. J Vocat Rehabil. 2008;29:3–13.

    Google Scholar 

  9. Lysaght R, Krupa T, Gregory A. Employers’ perspectives on intermittent work capacity—What can qualitative research tell us? Ottawa: Human Resources and Social Development Canada; 2011. Report No.: Final.

  10. Ouellette-Kuntz H, Lunsky Y, Lysaght R, Martin L, Saaltink R. Partnering for research—lessons for subject recruitment. J Dev Disabil. 2013;19(2):25–35.

    Google Scholar 

  11. Koehoorn M, Trask CM, Teschke K. Recruitment for Occupational Research: using Injured Workers as the Point of Entry into Workplaces. PLoS ONE. 2013;8(6):e68354.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  12. Ipsen C, Ravesloot C, Arnold N, Seekins T. Working well with a disability: health promotion as a means to employment. Rehabil Psychol. 2012;57(3):187–95.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Kidd P, Parshall M, Wojcik S, Struttman T. Overcoming recruitment challenges in construction safety intervention research. Am J Ind Med. 2004;45:297–304.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Foster D. Legal obligation or personal lottery? Employee experiences of disability and the negotiation of adjustments in the public sector workplace. Work Employ Soc. 2007;21(1):67–84.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Irvine A, Lupart J. Into the workforce: employers’ perspectives of inclusion. Dev Disabil Bull. 2008;36(1–2):225–50.

    Google Scholar 

  16. Jans LH, Kaye H, Jones EC. Getting hired: successfully employed people with disabilities offer advice on disclosure, interviewing, and job search. J Occup Rehabil. 2012;22(2):155–65.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Lysaght R, Petner-Arrey J, Cobigo V, Oullete-Kuntz H. Work preparation and participation in Ontario for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities—a cross-region analysis. J Dev Disabil. 2014;20(2):34–43.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada

    Rosemary Lysaght & Terry Krupa

  2. Providence Care Mental Health Services, Kingston, ON, Canada

    Rachelle Kranenburg

  3. London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada

    Carolyn Armstrong

Authors
  1. Rosemary Lysaght
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Rachelle Kranenburg
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Carolyn Armstrong
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Terry Krupa
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Rosemary Lysaght.

Appendix: Scoping Review Studies

Appendix: Scoping Review Studies

Andersen, L. P., Kines, P., & Hasle, P. (2007). Owner attitudes and self reported behavior towards modified work after occupational injury absence in small enterprises: A qualitative study. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, 17(1), 107–21. doi:http://dx.doi.org.proxy.queensu.ca/10.1007/s10926-007-9064-5

Banks, P., Jahoda, A., Dagnan, D., Kemp, J., & Williams, V. (2010). Supported employment for people with intellectual disability: The effects of job breakdown on psychological well-being. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 23(4), 344–354.

Beyer, S., Brown, T., Akandi, R., & Rapley, M. (2010). A comparison of quality of life outcomes for people with intellectual disabilities in supported employment, day services and employment enterprises. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 23(3), 290–295.

Bigby, C., Wilson, N., J., Balandin, S., & Stancliffe, R., J. (2011). Disconnected expectations: Staff, family, and supported employee perspectives about retirement. Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability,36(3), 167–174. doi:10.3109/13668250.2011.598852

Boyce, M., Secker, J., Johnson, R., Floyd, M., Grove, B., Schneider, J., & Slade, J. (2008). Mental health service users’ experiences of returning to paid employment. Disability and Society, 23(1), 77–88. doi:http://dx.doi.org.proxy.queensu.ca/10.1080/09687590701725757

Brock, B. L. (2007). The workplace experiences of educators with disabilities: Insights for school leaders. Educational Considerations, 34(2), 9–14

Bucholz, J. L., Brady, M. P., Duffy, M. L., Scott, J., & Kontosh, L. G. (2008). Using literacy-based behavioral interventions and social stories to improve work behavior in employees with developmental disabilities.Education and Training in Developmental Disabilities, 43(4), 486–501.

Carter, E. W., Trainor, A. A., Ditchman, N., Swedeen, B., & Owens, L. (2011). Community-based summer work experiences of adolescents with high-incidence disabilities. Journal of Special Education, 45(2), 89–103.

Chan, F., Strauser, D., Maher, P., Lee, E., Jones, R., & Johnson, E. T. (2010). Demand-side factors related to employment of people with disabilities: A survey of employers in the midwest region of the united states. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, 20(4), 412–419. doi:http://dx.doi.org.proxy.queensu.ca/10.1007/s10926-010-9252-6

Cimera, R. E. (2009). The monetary benefits and costs of hiring supported employees: A pilot study. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 30(2), 111–119.

Conroy, J. W., Ferris, C. S., & Irvine, R. (2010). Microenterprise options for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities: An outcome evaluation. Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities, 7(4), 269–277.

Copeland, J., Chan, F., Bezyak, J., & Fraser, R. T. (2010). Assessing cognitive and affective reactions of employers toward people with disabilities in the workplace. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, 20(4), 427–434. doi:http://dx.doi.org.proxy.queensu.ca/10.1007/s10926-009-9207-y

Dalgin, R. & Bellini, J. (2008). Invisible disability disclosure in an employment interview: Impact on Employers’ Hiring Decisions and Views of Employability. Rehabilitation Counselling Bulletin, 52(1), 6–15.

de Urres, F., & Verdugo, M. (2011). Sheltered employment centers: Characteristics and users’ perception. Work, 38(2), 155–161.

Duff, A., & Ferguson, J. (2011). Disability and the socialization of accounting professionals. Critical Perspectives on Accounting, 22(4), 351–364. doi:http://dx.doi.org.proxy.queensu.ca/10.1016/j.cpa.2010.12.009

Duff, A., Ferguson, J., & Gilmore, K. (2007). Issues concerning the employment and employability of disabled people in UK accounting firms: An analysis of the views of human resource managers as employment gatekeepers. British Accounting Review, 39(1), 15–38. doi:http://dx.doi.org.proxy.queensu.ca/10.1016/j.bar.2006.08.003

Flores, N., Jenaro, C., Orgaz, M. B., & Martin, M. V. (2011). Understanding quality of working life of workers with intellectual disabilities. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 24(2), 133–141.

Foster, D. (2007). Legal obligation or personal lottery? Employee experiences of disability and the negotiation of adjustments in the public sector workplace. Work, Employment and Society, 21(1), 67–84. doi:http://dx.doi.org.proxy.queensu.ca/10.1177/0950017007073616

Fraser, R., Ajzen, I., Johnson, K., Hebert, J., & Chan, F. (2011). Understanding employers hiring intention in relation to qualified workers with disabilities. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 35(1), 1–11.

Frost, P., Haahr, J. P., & Andersen, J. H. (2007). Reduction of pain-related disability in working populations: A randomized intervention study of the effects of an educational booklet addressing psychosocial risk factors and screening workplaces for physical health hazards. Spine, 32(18), 1949–1954.

Garca-Villamisar, D., & Hughes, C. (2007). Supported employment improves cognitive performance in adults with autism. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 51(2), 142–150.

Gates, L. B., Mandiberg, J. M., & Akabas, S. H. (2010). Building capacity in social service agencies to employ peer providers. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, 34(2), 145–152. doi:10.2975/34.2.2010.145.152

Habeck, R., Hunt, A., Rachel, C. H., Kregel, J., & Chan, F. (2010). Employee retention and integrated disability management practices as demand side factors. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, 20(4), 443–455. doi:http://dx.doi.org.proxy.queensu.ca/10.1007/s10926-009-9225-9

Hensel, E., Kroese, B. S., & Rose, J. (2007). Psychological factors associated with obtaining employment. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 20(2), 175–181.

Hepburn, C., Franche, R., & Francis, L. (2010). Successful return to work: The role of fairness and workplace-based strategies. International Journal of Workplace Health Management, 3(1), 7–24. doi:http://dx.doi.org.proxy.queensu.ca/10.1108/17538351011031902

Ipsen, C., Ravesloot, C., Arnold, N., & Seekins, T. (2012). Working well with a disability: Health promotion as a means to employment. Rehabilitation Psychology, 57(3), 187–195.

Irvine, A., & Lupart, J. (2008). Into the workforce: Employers’ perspectives of inclusion. Developmental Disabilities Bulletin, 36(1–2), 225–250.

Jahoda, A., Banks, P., Dagnan, D., Kemp, J., Kerr, W., & Williams, V. (2009). Starting a new job: The social and emotional experience of people with intellectual disabilities. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 22(5), 421–425.

Jans, L. H., Kaye, H., & Jones, E. C. (2012). Getting hired: Successfully employed people with disabilities offer advice on disclosure, interviewing, and job search. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, 22(2), 155–165. doi:http://dx.doi.org.proxy.queensu.ca/10.1007/s10926-011-9336-y

Laarhoven, T., Johnson, J., Laarhoven-Myers, W., Grider, K.L. & Grider K.M (2009). The effectiveness of using a video iPod as a prompting device in employment settings. Journal of Behaviour Education, 18, 119–141.

Lamichhane, K. (2012). Employment situation and life changes for people with disabilities: Evidence from nepal. Disability and Society, 27(4), 471–485.

Lanctot, N., Corbire, M., & Durand, M. (2012). Job tenure and quality of work life of people with psychiatric disabilities working in social enterprises. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 37(1), 39–48.

Larson, J. E., Hautamaki, J. B., Tsang, H., Lam, C. S., Lee, Y., Jin, S., & Shi, K. (2009). Employer experience with disabilities in Beijing, Hong Kong, and Chicago. American Journal of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, 12(4), 317–329. doi:10.1080/15487760903248432

Lindstrom, L., Doren, B., & Miesch, J. (2011). Waging a living: Career development and long-term employment outcomes for young adults with disabilities. Exceptional Children, 77(4), 423–434.

Lombardi, A., & Murray, C. (2011). Measuring university faculty attitudes toward disability: Willingness to accommodate and adopt Universal Design principles. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 34, 43–56. doi:10.3233/JVR-2010-0533

Lysaght, R., Fabrigar, L., Larmour-Trode, S., Stewart, J., & Friesen, M. (2012). Measuring workplace social support for workers with disability. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, 22(3), 376–386. doi:http://dx.doi.org.proxy.queensu.ca/10.1007/s10926-012-9357-1

MacEachen, E., Kosny, A., & Ferrier, S. (2007). Unexpected barriers in return to work: Lessons learned from injured worker peer support groups. Work, 29(2), 155–164.

Martorell, A., Gutierrez-Recacha, P., Pereda, A., & Ayuso-Mateos, J. (2008). Identification of personal factors that determine work outcome for adults with intellectual disability. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 52(12), 1091–1101.

Minarovic, T. J., & Bambara, L. M. (2007). Teaching employees with intellectual disabilities to manage changing work routines using varied sight-word checklists. Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities (RPSD), 32(1), 31–42

Misra, S., Orslene, L. E., & Walls, R. T. (2010). Personal assistance services (PAS) for workers with disabilities: Views and experiences of employers. Journal of Rehabilitation, 76(1), 22–27.

Naraine, M., & Lindsay, P. (2011). Social inclusion of employees who are blind or low vision. Disability and Society, 26(4), 389–403. doi:http://dx.doi.org.proxy.queensu.ca/10.1080/09687599.2011.567790

Noblet, A., Graffam, J., & McWilliams, J. (2008). Sources of well-being and commitment of staff in the australian disability employment services. Health & Social Care in the Community, 16(2), 137–146.

O’Sullivan, D., Strauser, D. R., & Wong, A. W. K. (2012). Five-factor model of personality, work behavior self-efficacy, and length of prior employment for individuals with disabilities: An exploratory analysis.Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, 55(3), 156–165.

Rampton, N., Waghorn, G., De Souza, T., & Lloyd, C. (2010). Employment service provider knowledge of service user assistance needs. American Journal of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, 13(1), 22–39. doi:10.1080/15487760903248507

Raynor, O., & Hayward, K. (2009). Breaking into the business: Experiences of actors with disabilities in the entertainment industry. Journal of Research in Special Educational Needs, 9(1), 39–47.

Saloviita, T., & Pirttimaa, R. (2007). Surveying supported employment in finland: A follow-up. Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities, 4(4), 229–234.

Schur, L., Kruse, D., Blasi, J., & Blanck, P. (2009). Is disability disabling in all workplaces? Workplace disparities and corporate culture. Industrial Relations, 48(3), 381–410

Shaw, L., MacAhonic, P., Lindsay, R., & Brake, P. (2009). Evaluating the support needs of injured workers in managing occupational transitions after injury. Work, 32(4), 477–490. doi:http://dx.doi.org.proxy.queensu.ca/10.3233/WOR-2009-0858

Shigaki, C. L., Anderson, K. M., Howald, C. L., Henson, L., & Gregg, B. E. (2012). Disability on campus: A perspective from faculty and staff. Work, 42(4), 559–571.

Siva, A., Zarifoglu, M., Ertas, M., Saip, S., Karli, H. N., Baykan, B., … Senocak, M. (2008). Validity of the ID-migraine screener in the workplace. Neurology, 70(16), 1337–1345.

Snyder, L. A., Carmichael, J. S., Blackwell, L. V., Cleveland, J. N., & Thornton, G. C. (2010). Perceptions of discrimination and justice among employees with disabilities. Employee Responsibilities and Rights Journal, 22(1), 5–19. doi:http://dx.doi.org.proxy.queensu.ca/10.1007/s10672-009-9107-5

Steenstra, I., Ibrahim, S., Franche, R., Hogg-Johnson, S., Shaw, W., & Pransky, G. (2010). Validation of risk factor-based intervention strategy model using data from the readiness for return to work cohort study. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, 20, 394–405. doi:10.1007/s10926-009-9218-8

Stensrud, R. (2007). Developing relationships with employers means considering the competitive business environment and the risks it produces. Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, 50(4), 226–237.

Su, C., Lin, Y., Wu, Y., & Chen, C. (2008). The role of cognition and adaptive behavior in employment of people with mental retardation. Research in Developmental Disabilities: A Multidisciplinary Journal, 29(1), 83–95

Versnel, J., Hutchinson, N. L., Munby, H., & Chin, P. (2008). Work-based learning for adolescents with learning disabilities: Creating a context for success. Exceptionality Education International, 18(1), 113–134.

Vogel, S. A., Murray, C., Wren, C., & Adelman, P. B. (2007). An exploratory analysis of employment-related experiences of educators with learning disabilities. Educational Considerations, 34(2), 15–20.

Walsh, M. P. (2010). Employers’ perceptions of transition programming for students with emotional disturbances. Journal of Employment Counseling, 47(3), 123–133.

Wilton, R. (2008). Workers with disabilities and the challenges of emotional labour. Disability and Society, 23(4), 361–373. doi:http://dx.doi.org.proxy.queensu.ca/10.1080/09687590802038878

Wu, H. (2008). Predicting subjective quality of life in workers with severe psychiatric disabilities. Community Mental Health Journal, 44(2), 135–146. doi:http://dx.doi.org.proxy.queensu.ca/10.1007/s10597-007-9118-3

Zoer, I., Graaf, L., Kuiger, P., Prinzie, P., Hoorzemans, M., & Frings-Dresen, M. (2012). Matching work capacities and demands at job placement in employees with disabilities. Journal of Work, 42, 205–214. doi:10.3233/WOR-2012-1343.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Lysaght, R., Kranenburg, R., Armstrong, C. et al. Participant Recruitment for Studies on Disability and Work: Challenges and Solutions. J Occup Rehabil 26, 125–140 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-015-9594-1

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-015-9594-1

Keywords

Search

Navigation