Employment for persons with intellectual disability in the Nordic countries: A scoping review

Abstract

Background: The Nordic countries are renowned for their inclusive policies, yet persons with intellectual disability remain largely excluded from the labor market. A review of the existing knowledge base may inform policy makers who try to address this challenge. Method: The study uses a scoping review of 23 peer-reviewed journal articles to summarize three decades of research literature on employment for persons with intellectual disability in the Nordic countries. Results: Persons with intellectual disability value employment, but school-related factors may form barriers to their inclusion in the labor market. Support at the workplace is important but variable. There is a paucity of intervention studies in the Nordic research base, and despite the socio-ecological understanding of disability, few studies focus on supports to bridge the gap between personal capacity and environmental demands. Conclusions: A better coordination between the educational system and the labor market may pave the way towards higher levels of employment for persons with intellectual disability. Intervention studies that emphasize individualized supports and follow-up of older employees with intellectual disability are welcomed.