The study sought to explore the barriers to employment among Persons with Disabilities (PwD) in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T). It highlighted three key perspectives, those of PwD, the key informants (i.e. advocacy and governmental representatives) and employer perceptions on the recruitment and retention of PwD. The objectives were met via a mixed methodology approach (i.e. using semi-structured interviews with the PwD and representatives from advocates for PwD including government ministries, as well as a self-administered questionnaire distributed to employers).

The results highlighted the prevalence of unemployment among PwD and key barriers which hinder them from attaining access to employment, including employer perceptions of PwD and the lack of educational opportunities a?orded to them.

Based on the results obtained, it is recommended that legislation be placed as a priority in enabling the activities expressed in the National Policy on PwD in T&T (2019). Recommendations have also been advanced in this study in the areas of inclusive education, early intervention strategies, improved advocacy, private sector collaboration, review of advocacy schools, an assessment of the disability grant, and the implementation of a robust Monitoring & Evaluation Framework. These can serve as a catalyst for increased access to employment opportunities.

Ms. ALLISON DARREN FRANCIS has worked with government ministries and agencies such as the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Public Administration and Digital Transformation in National Coordinator, and Associate Consultant capacities. Her areas of work include Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), strategic planning, project management, public-private dialogue, entrepreneurial ecosystems, and youth training and development. Ms. Francis is an M&E practitioner with more than fifteen (15) years of experience, and has worked extensively with marginalised sectors of society including women, youth, and Persons with Disabilities (PwD).

Allison has also worked extensively with local and international NGOs, international organisations such as the International Labour Organization, the European Union, and international development agencies.

Ms. Francis is currently a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) candidate at The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT). Her thesis explores the barriers to accessing employment among PwD in Trinidad and Tobago. She holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Oxford Brookes University and a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Sociology with a minor in Psychology from the University of The West Indies (Upper Second-Class Honors).