Successful international and regional practices for increasing employment rates among people with disabilities
Abstract. This article analyzes global and regional employment practices for citizens with disabilities (PWDs), identifies key barriers, and develops recommendations for enhancing labor market inclusivity. The author emphasizes that the challenge of PWD employment persists both in Russia and globally, despite progress in social and legal protection. The main obstacles include stereotypes, inadequate infrastructure adaptation, formalistic compliance with legislative employment quotas, and low employer awareness of the potential of PWDs. Within the Russian practice, the author highlights regional successes (Belgorod Oblast, Moscow, Saint Petersburg), where PWD integration has been achieved through digital services, supported employment schemes, and social entrepreneurship. However, systemic problems endure only 28% of companies employ PWDs, while 72% of employers have no plans to do so, citing bureaucracy and a lack of incentives. The finding proposes measures for Russia: expanding tax incentives, implementing inclusion training for HR specialists, developing protected workshops, and strengthening the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs). It is underscored that inclusive employment constitutes not a social burden, but an investment in human capital capable of reducing dependency on benefits and enhancing business competitiveness. The research draws upon statistical data, comparative analysis of legislation and case studies, as well as results from surveys of employers and PWDs. The findings can be applied to develop targeted employment programs and harmonize Russian policy with international standards. Based on a comparative analysis of international experience (USA, Germany, Japan, Scandinavian countries), successful strategies are identified: combining strict quotas with tax incentives, developing personalized support programs, digitalization of work processes, and cross-sectoral cooperation. Particular attention is paid to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which, on the one hand, exacerbated social inequality, and on the other, accelerated the adoption of hybrid employment formats, especially within the IT sector.
Keywords: disability, employment of people with disabilities, international experience, inclusive employment, inclusive programs, employment programs.
Highlights:
- people with disabilities often face systemic barriers while integrating into working life due to not only physical and psychological limitations, but also to stereotypes, institutional constraints, and insufficient adaptation of the labor market to the needs of vulnerable groups;
- successful regional and international practices prove that with a systematic approach and consideration of individual needs, integrating people with disabilities into the economy becomes an achievable goal that the whole society benefits;
- the key lesson for Russia is the need for combining government support with involvement of businesses and NGOs, so that inclusion becomes not a "mandatory program", but a competitive advantage.
Daria V. Nekipelova - Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia