- Research Article
- 10.4000/12aoo
The workforce challenges of disabled people in Hungary and Slovakia during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Jan 01, 2024
- Alter
- Szonja Jenei + 5 more +5
Our research examines the changes in the situation of people with disabilities during the pandemic in Hungary and Slovakia. It aims to uncover whether the previously provided state safety nets and support systems were sufficient to maintain those affected’s livelihoods and quality of life. According to advocacy organizations, many people with disabilities were dismissed from the open labor market during the pandemic. They found work in the sheltered labor market, which led to a decline in their quality of life. Our research extensively studied people with disabilities, including those with visual impairments, hearing impairments, intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, and organ disorders. In-depth interviews were conducted with people with disabilities who have shown extraordinary achievements. Many managed to keep their jobs, but those who did not face negative stereotypes when seeking employment. We examined the acceptance of people with disabilities in the open labor market and the perception of positive discrimination by healthy individuals through a questionnaire survey. Our research found that Hungary and Slovakia, with limited financial resources, have different preferences regarding integrating people with disabilities into the workforce. Slovakia places greater emphasis on supporting sheltered employment, while Hungary tries to steer people with disabilities towards the open labor market with the help of the affected individuals.
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