Alternative spaces of ‘work’ and inclusion for disabled people

Western governments have emphasized paid work as a key route to social inclusion for disabled people. Although the proportion of disabled people in ‘mainstream’ employment has increased in recent decades, rates remain significantly below those for non-disabled people. Moreover, disabled workers continue to face discrimination and a lack of workplace accommodation. This paper critically examines the potential of three alternatives to the current situation. First, how might stronger ties between disabled workers and the labour movement allow for greater control over the nature of mainstream work? Second, can more enabling work opportunities be created beyond the ‘mainstream’ in social economy organizations? Finally, how might other forms of unpaid and creative work usefully challenge the dominance of paid employment as a route to social inclusion?