Disability inclusion is important to ensure everybody has the same opportunities in society, which is critical in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) are one of the marginalized communities and most of them are living in poverty. Disabilities encounter many challenges internally and externally due to their disabilities. They are struggling to keep their jobs due to their own self-confidence and social stigma and entrepreneurship is said to be the best option for PWDs to gain economic liberation. However, many PWDs still depend on government assistance and public donations instead of starting their own business. This study investigates the mediating effect of entrepreneurial motivation on the relationship between internal and external factors of PWDs’ perceptions of entrepreneurship in Malaysia. A quantitative approach to the survey was carried out. A sample of seventy-seven PWDs was gathered using face-to-face and online surveys through purposive sampling. The data were analyzed using structural equation modelling. The results show that only internal factors influence PWDs’ entrepreneurial personal perception. Entrepreneurial motivation plays a crucial mediating role in the relationship between internal and external factors and entrepreneurial personal perception. The study is helpful for the relevant parties to assist PWDs in becoming financially independent through entrepreneurship by focusing more on their internal strengths. Proper training and coaching assist PWDs in being more resilient when facing adversity.
The study, taking China as an example, employs a mixed-method approach of questionnaire surveys and in-depth interviews to explore the differing perspectives of disabled and non-disabled individuals on how to improve the social integration and quality of life of disabled people in developing countries. The study finds that the vicious cycle created by severe accessibility issues in developing countries is the root cause of the disabled’s difficulty in integrating into society. The impersonal barrier-free facilities suppress the desire of the disabled to travel, resulting in fewer disabled people on the streets and less visibility and attention, which leads to poorer accessibility facilities. Secondly, the study also finds that non-disabled people unconsciously show excessive sympathy and compassion when helping the disabled, which affects their self-esteem due to being patronized and helped. This creates two separate “social circles” between the disabled and the healthy. To address these issues, we have designed an application called “AbleMind” where the disabled can share experiences, make friends, seek help, and better integrate into society.
In older adults with disabilities, muscle weakness reduces mobility and causes postural issues. Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) training is effective for increasing strength by inducing involuntary skeletal muscle contractions. Thus, this study aimed to examine changes in lumbar movement, muscle activity during walking, and maximum muscle strength of lower-limb joints based on an 8-week EMS exercise program for older adults with physical disabilities. Sixteen older adults (aged 56–78 years) with physical disabilities were selected and randomly assigned to either the exercise group (EG, n = 8) or the control group (CG, n = 8). EG participants were instructed to wear EMS suits and participate in an elastic band and bare-body exercise program, whereas CG participants performed the exercise program without the EMS suits. Lumbar range of motion (ROM), body circumference, partial volume, maximum muscle strength, and muscle activity were measured. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 28.0 for Windows, with the critical value of α = 0.05. Compared to CG participants, EG participants had a superior ROM, body volume, partial volume, maximum muscle strength (knee joints), and muscle activity while walking. These positive outcomes highlight the efficacy of combining EMS with an exercise program for strength and rehabilitation training in older adults with physical disabilities.
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) constitutes a crucial international framework that underscores the significance of inclusive education for individuals with disabilities, a vital goal for nations globally. This study seeks to examine the alignment of the recently established Saudi Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (SLRPD) with the CRPD in the educational sector. The study employs a comparative analytical methodology to examine pertinent legal material and international treaties regarding inclusive education for individuals with disabilities. The findings indicate that the SLRPD substantially improves the rights of persons with disabilities by facilitating access to educational opportunities. Article 8 of the bill significantly enhances Saudi Arabia’s adherence to Article 24 of the CRPD objectives regarding inclusive education. The report emphasizes Saudi Arabia’s dedication to the ongoing evaluation and enhancement of its legal frameworks to facilitate access to educational opportunities for disabled children and youth. Under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the Kingdom has made significant strides in assisting those with disabilities, aligning with worldwide norms and its strategic goals. The research advises nations to intensify their initiatives for inclusive education by bolstering intersectoral collaboration, amplifying awareness activities, and cultivating relationships with international organizations. These measures will not only guarantee ongoing adherence to the CRPD but will also empower persons with disabilities to attain sustainable educational opportunities.
This research aims to analyze the contribution of the Industrial World Business program in improving the work skills and work readiness of people with disabilities through the Systematic Literature Review method. The involvement of businesses and industries in developing inclusive programs for people with disabilities is an important key to bridging the skills gap and employment opportunities. This research identifies various programs, best practices, and challenges in implementing these programs. Based on the results of the literature reviewed, it was found that inclusive job training programs significantly improve the technical and non-technical skills of people with disabilities while strengthening their readiness to face a competitive job market. On the other hand, there are still obstacles in the accessibility and adaptation of training programs that must continue to be optimized. However, to achieve greater inclusivity, improvements are still needed in terms of accessibility, program adaptation, and efforts to reduce discrimination in the world of work. It is hoped that the results of this research can become a basis for policymakers, industry players, and educational institutions to continue to develop inclusive programs and empower people with disabilities in the world of work. Collaboration between industry and vocational service providers is critical to improving employment outcomes and facilitating a successful transition from education to employment for people with disabilities.
Understanding the factors that influence early science achievement is crucial for developing effective educational policies and ensuring equity within the education system. Despite its importance, research on the patterns of young children achieving science learning milestones and the factors that can reduce disparities between students with and without disabilities remains limited. This study analyzes data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study of Kindergarten Cohort 2011 (ECLS-K: 2011), which includes 18,174 children from 1328 schools across the United States, selected through a complex sampling process and spanning kindergarten to 5th grade. Utilizing survival analysis, the study finds that children with disabilities achieve science milestones later than their peers without disabilities, with these disparities persisting from early grades. The research highlights the effectiveness of center-based programs in enhancing science learning, particularly in narrowing the achievement gap between children with and without disabilities. These findings contribute to the broader discourse on equity in the education system and policy by introducing novel methodologies for assessing the frequency and duration of science learning milestones, and by providing insights into effective strategies that support equitable science education.
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