Employer Retention Profiles of Workers with Physical Disabilities

Heerak Choi; Jasin Wong; Angelika Kudla; Deborah S. Crown; Bishan Yang; Emily J. Dinelli; Pamela Capraro; Robert Trierweiler; Allen W. Heinemann

doi:10.1007/s10926-025-10321-3

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Employer Retention Profiles of Workers with Physical Disabilities

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Employer Retention Profiles of Workers with Physical Disabilities

Heerak Choi, Jasin Wong, Angelika Kudla, Deborah S. Crown, Bishan Yang, Emily J. Dinelli, Pamela Capraro, Robert Trierweiler and Allen W. Heinemann

Journal of occupational rehabilitation

08/16/2025

DOI: 10.1007/s10926-025-10321-3

PMID: 40819115

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Abstract

PurposeThis study aimed to define parsimonious, non-overlapping subgroups of employers based on perceived facilitators and challenges in retaining workers with physical disabilities. Additionally, we sought to compare company characteristics, disability-related supports and practices, and job accommodation provision across employer subgroups.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional observational study using an online survey among 2,000 employers in the United States. Data analysis included 1,641 employers who hired at least one worker with a physical disability. Data analysis methods included latent profile analysis, independent t test, and chi-square or Fisher's exact test.ResultsWe identified two subgroups of employers, characterized by high facilitator (n = 360) and high challenge groups (n = 1,281). The high facilitator group consists of employers who perceive greater facilitators than challenges in retaining workers with disabilities, while the high challenge group consists of employers who perceive greater challenges than facilitators. A greater proportion of respondents in the high facilitator group were from service-providing companies, had fewer than 500 employees, and were CEOs or owners, compared to those in the high challenge group. Additionally, the high facilitator group reported higher rates of hiring workers with disabilities over the past 12 months, greater implementation of disability-related supports and practices, and greater provision of job accommodations than the high challenge group.ConclusionEmployers can enhance the retention of workers with physical disabilities by promoting facilitators and addressing challenges, strengthening disability-related supports and practices, and providing job accommodations. Future research should validate these findings and develop targeted interventions.

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Details

Title: Subtitle: Employer Retention Profiles of Workers with Physical Disabilities
Creators: Heerak Choi - Northwestern University
Jasin Wong - National Tsing Hua University
Angelika Kudla - Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
Deborah S. Crown - Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
Bishan Yang - Northwestern University
Emily J. Dinelli - Northwestern University
Pamela Capraro - Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
Robert Trierweiler - Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
Allen W. Heinemann - Northwestern University
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Journal of occupational rehabilitation
DOI: 10.1007/s10926-025-10321-3
PMID: 40819115
NLM abbreviation: J Occup Rehabil
ISSN: 1053-0487
eISSN: 1573-3688
Publisher: Springer Nature
Number of pages: 12
Grant note: National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research; United States Department of Health & Human Services
Language: English
Electronic publication date: 08/16/2025
Academic Unit: Counselor Education and Supervision
Record Identifier: 9985219857902771

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