Employment challenges for persons with disabilities (PWD) A case study of Macedonia

This paper raises the issue of employability of Persons with Disabilities in Macedonia. Theoretically reviews the Medical and Social models of Persons with Disabilities (PWD), as well as analyses the international disability rights instruments – UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities – and the European Union legislation – Directive on Equal Treatment in Employment and Occupation. The paper thoroughly describes the legislative and strategic framework of Macedonia attempting employment of PWD. It concludes that Macedonia is significantly lagging behind in reforming its social service sector, particularly its system for employment protection of PWD. Public support for employment of persons with disabilities is based on medical diagnosis and partial social actions have been taken to fully integrate these individuals into the society. Public measures are primarily focused on providing small financial support, which goes with remarkable lack of statistical data and reporting on the results. The paper calls for transforming public measures in favor of employability of PWD. Keywords: employment, persons with disabilities (PWD), barriers, equality