When (your) inclusion is part of your job: exploring "professional" disability advocacy
Journal
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal
ISSN
2040-7149
ISSN-Digital
2040-7157
Type
journal article
Date Issued
2025-12-26
Author(s)
Abstract
Purpose-The article explores two types of professional disability advocacy at work by employees with disabilities: (1) being an official disability representative and (2) being a disability inclusion specialist. Design/methodology/approach-We conducted 17 semi-structured interviews and used thematic analysis to explore common and distinct themes of disability advocacy between representatives and inclusion specialists. Findings-We find that both groups differed, especially regarding the form and impact of their advocacy. Representatives emphasized networking and internal advocacy. Inclusion specialists were more concerned with their role model function and their impact for person with disabilities outside their organizations. Originality/value-The analysis of different roles of disability advocacy within organizations has only been partially explored. In particular, research on the role of disability representatives, i.e., employees legally mandated (and elected) to represent disability issues at work, is scarce. We have taken a step to illuminate this aspect.
Language
English (United States)
Keywords
Disability
Inclusion
Advocacy
HSG Classification
contribution to scientific community
Refereed
Yes
Publisher
Emerald
Pages
19
File(s)![Thumbnail Image]()
Name
edi-11-2024-0564en.pdf
Type
Main Article
Size
2.22 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
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