Constructing an inclusive environment: the working experience of disabled employees in the context of an institute of higher education in the Netherlands
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2023-08-31
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en
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‘Disability’ can be a basis for inequality, but has not received as much attention in research and organizational processes as gender, class and race. The aim of the research is to understand the working experiences of employees with impairments and how diversity and inclusion policies perpetuate or counter ‘disability’ inequalities in organizations. The research question is: how is ‘disability’ constructed in (Dutch) higher education and how do employees with impairments experience in/exclusion? A single case study is conducted with in-depth semi-structured interviews with employees with impairments at a Dutch university. The main findings are: concerning the construction of ‘disability’ in higher education, communication with employees with impairments is key. The positivistic ontology in the construction of identity in the organization, results in othering and exclusion of employees with impairments. An interpretative or critical way of looking at identity would be preferred. A discourse of ableism could be recognized in the organization, in the physical accessibility of the university, as well as in social aspects. Notions of the ‘ideal worker’ reinforced feelings of exclusion in employees with impairments as well. The university has to deal with the ableist discourse in order to create a more inclusive space.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen