A qualitative investigation of the professional and social experiences of occupational groups working with individuals with disabilities and their attitudes: An example from Finland.

Abstract

Working with individuals with disabilities affects the professional and social experiences and attitudes of professional groups. Accordingly, this study aimed to understand the professional and social experiences and attitudes of occupational groups working with individuals with disabilities. A qualitative, descriptive design based on thematic analysis approach was used in this study. The data were collected from 11 staff at the Center for Disability Empowerment in Finland. The results obtained from the study were thematized and eight main themes were established. Some of these main themes are as follows: Opinions about and attitudes toward individuals with disabilities, the effect on personal/inner and spiritual development, satisfaction with occupational performance and key points in working with disabled groups. Working with individuals with disabilities had a positive impact on the attitude and development of the employees from both an occupational and a social perspective. Moreover, it contributed to the professional and personal development of the employees.