Background: There is a lack of evidence on barriers faced by persons with disability in accessing employment opportunities in India.
Aim: This study was undertaken to ascertain both employee and employer perceptions on barriers existing among Information Technology (IT) and IT-enabled sectors to employ persons with disabilities.
Materials and methods: Two hundred participants from six IT/IT-enabled sector organizations were included in the study; study was conducted at Hyderabad, India. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to the participants.
Results: Physical access to and within the worksite was highlighted as a concern by 95% of respondents. Majority perceived that communication, attitude of people, discrimination, harassment at work place, and information were critical barriers. Only 3.8% of employers were aware that their company had a written policy on employing persons with disabilities. Employers stated that commitment and perseverance were important facilitators among persons with disabilities.
Conclusions: Evidence from this study will help in planning need-based employment for persons with disabilities.
Keywords: Attitude; India; employment; legislation; persons with disability.