'I Don't Think They've Ever Seen People Like Me Do Jobs Like This': Exploring Hope Within Strengths-Based Employment Services for People With Disability

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Strengths-based employment services focused on the abilities of people with intellectual disabilities challenge traditional, deficits-based orientations. Within the presence of hope, which sustains collective effort toward a preferred future, such employment services may stimulate social change. Therefore, the presence of hope was examined within strengths-based employment settings for adults with intellectual disabilities to understand its potential to establish inclusive workplaces. METHODS: Employees with intellectual disabilities supported by strength-based employment services, as well as their employers and co-workers, completed semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Hope was present within strength-based employment services through the (a) co-sharing of strengths, (b) movement toward a shared, preferred future, (c) alignment of personal and collective goals, and (d) (co)transformation of interacting parties. CONCLUSION: Implementing strengths-based employment services for people with intellectual disabilities is supported, as it facilitates the cultivation of hope and thus movement toward inclusive and equitable workplaces.