Job Accommodations for People with Physical Disabilities: Findings of a United States National Survey.

Abstract

Purpose: Identify the job accommodations associated with increased job retention and satisfaction for people with physical disabilities.

Methods: A national survey of 1265 people with physical disabilities in the United States, who worked for an employer after their disability onset. The sample was 58% males, average age of 44 years, 74% white, and worked an average of 36 h weekly. We assessed frequency, type, and use of job accommodations and used multivariate Poisson regression to evaluate the relationship between job accommodations, job tenure, and satisfaction.

Results: The top job accommodations were modified work schedules, modified policies/rules, job sharing, allowing sitting/standing changes, and unpaid leave. The job accommodations needed but not received were limiting lifting, pushing, pulling; co-worker assistance; limiting twisting, bending; using modified/new equipment; and telework. Males reported higher frequency of accommodation use than females, while females reported not needing accommodations more often. Among respondents who used an accommodation, 82% rated it as moderately or very helpful. Most respondents (79%) reported that they were satisfied or very satisfied with their jobs. Poisson regression models revealed an association between using a job accommodation and job tenure for 4 years or longer for all job accommodation categories, with an increased likelihood of job tenure beyond 4 years by 10-70%. Four of 12 job accommodation categories were associated with job satisfaction.

Conclusions: Use of employer- and self-provided job accommodations is associated with longer job tenure and increased job satisfaction. Each person, job, and environmental factor provides opportunities to tailor accommodations.