The elements of a positive workplace environment: implications for persons with disabilities

A group of researchers from humanities, business, geography and rehabilitation science at McMaster University carried out a qualitative research study involving persons with disabilities in a south-western Ontario community. The study examined how persons with disabilities defined positive work environments both in paid work and volunteer activity. The study used a framework of organizational factors, social factors; social supports outside the workplace and individual characteristics. The study found that participants stressed the importance of positive attitudes, respect, understanding, communication and education as key components.