Learning disability and work inclusion: on the experiences, aspirations and empowerment of sheltered employment workers in Norway

Abstract

This inclusive research inspired study explored the experiences of people with learning disabilities working in a Norwegian sheltered employment company. The study aimed at developing knowledge on the working experiences of people with learning disabilities and the impact of their participation in the study. We employed focus groups, supplemented by informal discussions to generate data for the study. Together with the employees and employers, we established two three-member focus groups. The participants, both males and females, discussed their work experiences and the empowering consequences of participating in the research. The data indicated that the employees had desires to work fully in ordinary companies, assuming socially valued roles. The participants experienced a combination of work in ordinary and sheltered employment companies as less stressful and satisfying. The adopted inclusive research strategy empowered our research partners to reflect on their experiences and made efforts to meet their working life dreams.