Employees with moderate intellectual disability in hospitality industry

Employee and employer interview survey

Abstract

Background and goals: The employment rate of people with disabilities is low, as confirmed by the 2011 census data of the Hungarian Census Office (KSH). The employment rate of people with intellectual disabilities is barely measurable, especially in the hospitality sector. Even less is known about the employment of our target group, the people with moderate intellectual disabilities.

Method: Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with employers and employees with moderate intellectual disabilities in the hospitality sector at three well-known organisations in Budapest and Fejér county. Content summarisation was used in the interview analysis along the interview themes.

Results: The research validated our hypothesis, among the interviewees, that catering organisations employ people with moderate intellectual disabilities as accredited sheltered employment. A kitchen assistant certificate from a skills development school is not an advantage in selection. Inclusion and empowerment of people with disabilities include going to work every day, communicating, and interacting with guests and staff, and participating in leisure activities.

Conclusions: The results show that accredited employment in the catering sector is highly supportive of the employment of people with moderate intellectual disabilities. Prior education contributes to a lesser extent, while a supportive family background and work experience contribute to a large extent to the acquisition of the job. Social contacts and leisure activities enhance social inclusion and participation.

Keywords: people with moderate intellectual disabilities, catering industry, employment, social inclusion