Disabled Persons as Human Resource

The drive for stimulating economic activity of disabled persons is a serious challenge in our times. The starting point in the article is statistical analysis of the population of disabled workers in the context of their labour market position and conclusions indicating their difficult, yet improvable situation. An insight into two main models of systems supporting employment of the disabled. one based on economic incentives and the other arising from anti-discriminatory laws, allows to conclude that intermediate solutions combining elements of the two approaches are becoming more and more important. The article presents results of empirical research conducted in enterprises covered by the quota system. They highlight the system’s low effectiveness and the need for its modification, taking into account barriers to employment of the disabled persons that were identified in the course of the research. The last section of the article describes forms of financial support available for enterprises employing disabled workers and assesses the costs and benefits arising from their employment. The assessment suggests that when workstations are carefully adapted to such workers, then their employment may turn out financially profitable. The deep-rooted negative stereotype of a disabled worker will remain a significant and probably persistent problem. This stereotype should be combated by means of anti-discrimination laws and other measures.Zadanie pt. „Digitalizacja i udostępnienie w Cyfrowym Repozytorium Uniwersytetu Łódzkiego kolekcji czasopism naukowych wydawanych przez Uniwersytet Łódzki” nr 885/P-DUN/2014 zostało dofinansowane ze środków MNiSW w ramach działalności upowszechniającej naukę