Purpose
Persons with disabilities often face barriers when moving from school to work, entering a first job, or trying to advance in their careers. These transition points strongly shape long term job quality, income, and well being. This scoping review aims to identify and describe employment interventions that support people with disabilities to access higher quality jobs and build their careers during these critical career transitions.
Design and methodology
The authors conducted two large literature searches focused on job quality and career advancement. Peer reviewed studies published since 2018 were searched across multiple academic databases. Studies were included if they examined employment interventions for people with disabilities in high income countries and reported outcomes related to job quality or career advancement. In total, 5858 studies were screened and 16 met the criteria for inclusion.
Findings
Most of the available evidence focuses on helping people with disabilities move into employment rather than supporting long term career growth. Vocational rehabilitation, post secondary education funded through vocational services, and individualized employment supports were linked to better outcomes such as higher pay, more hours of work, and greater chances of getting a competitive job. However, very few studies measured career advancement, such as promotions or movement into higher level roles, showing a major gap in the evidence base.
Originality and value
This review is one of the first to bring together evidence on job quality and career advancement during key work transitions for people with disabilities. It highlights both promising approaches, especially vocational rehabilitation combined with education and long term support, and the urgent need for more research and better programs that move beyond job placement to support sustainable and meaningful careers.
