| dc.description.abstract | In the current economic climate, employees are expected to upgrade their skills in
order to remain productive and competitive in the workplace, and many women with
learning disabilities! may feel doubly challenged when dealing with such expectations.
Although the number of people with reported learning disabilities who enter the
workforce is expected to increase, a dearth of research focuses on work-related
experiences of women with learning disabilities; consequently, employers and educators
often are unaware ofthe obstacles and demands facing such individuals.
This qualitative narrative study sheds light on the work experiences of women
with diagnosed or suspected learning disabilities. The study used semistructured
interviews to explore their perspectives and reflections on learnlng in order to: (a) raise
awareness of the needs of women with learning disabilities, (b) enhance their
opportunities to learn in the workplace, and (c) draw attention to the need for
improvement of inclusiveness in the workplace, especially for hidden disabilities. Study
findings reveal that participants' learning was influenced by work relationships, the
learning environments, self-determination, and taking personal responsibility. Moreover,
the main accommodation requested was to have supportive and understanding work
relationships and environments. Recommendations are made for future research and
workplace improvements, most notably that no employees should be left behind through
an employee-centered approach. | en_US |
