Successful Employment Outcomes for People With Disabilities: A Proposed Conceptual Model

People with disabilities represent approximately 16% of the population but are significantly underrepresented in mainstream employment. Using the framework of the social model of disability, we applied scoping-study methodology to undertake a literature search of peer-reviewed articles published between January 2001 and October 2019. Considering factors at the individual, organizational, and systemic levels, the review focused on identifying the predictors of successful employment outcomes for people with disabilities to develop a conceptual model. The model then serves as the basis for a proposed research agenda that can allow scholars to fill important identified gaps in the knowledge base. This can provide robust empirical evidence to support effective managerial and consulting practice, as well as legislative and policy changes that can enable more people with disabilities to experience successful employment outcomes.