IMPACT OF LEGAL AND POLICY FRAMEWORK GOVERNING ORGANIZATIONAL PRACTICES ON EMPLOYMENT OF SRI LANKANS WITH DISABILITIES

Abstract

Employment plays a vital role in any economy. The employment rate of the persons with disabilities is significantly low when compared to non-disabled individuals. Disability is defined as the existence of physical and attitudinal barriers created by the society that hinder people with disabilities from fully participating in their day-today life according to the interactive model. Sri Lankans with disabilities have suffered high rates of unemployment due to organizational ill practices towards them while state’s current legal context, and the administrative policies are playing a crucial role in the prolonged and substantial difference in employment rates between persons with disabilities and their non-disabled counterparts. Hence, this qualitative study which is purely based on desk review methodology explores the legal and policy barriers for employment of Sri Lankans with disabilities covering barriers affecting the organizational practices relating to the human resources practices and workplace accommodations. It is recommended that the laws and policies must be revised and reviewed with a thorough understanding of the inclusion of disabilities regarding employment of persons with disabilities and arranging reasonable accommodation for them. Keywords: Employment, Legal and Policy Barriers, Organizational Practices, Sri Lankans with Disabilities