Employment for persons with intellectual disability in the Nordic countries: A scoping review

Abstract

Background: Persons with intellectual disability remain largely excluded from the labour market in the Nordic countries. A review of the existing knowledge base may inform policymakers who try to address this challenge. Method: The study uses a scoping review of 23 articles to summarize three decades of research on employment for persons with intellectual disability in the Nordic countries. Results: Persons with intellectual disability value employment, but school-related factors may form barriers to labour market participation. Support at the workplace is important but variable. There is a paucity of intervention studies, and few studies focus on supports to bridge the gap between personal capacity and environmental demands. Conclusions: A better coordination between the educational system and the labour market may facilitate higher levels of employment for persons with intellectual disability. Intervention studies that emphasize individualized supports and follow-up of older employees with intellectual disability are welcomed.