Comparative analysis of employment services for people with disabilities in Australia, Finland, and Sweden

Described and discussed are comparative employment policies and programs for people with intellectual and other disabilities in Australia, Finland, and Sweden. The dominant economic and social policies of many Western countries are such that they continue to place considerable pressure on the development and maintenance of employment programs for people with intellectual and physical disabilities, particularly for those with high support needs. The authors note that these policies often result in tension between the simultaneous achievement of person-centered principles for people with disabilities and a desire for improved service efficiencies and accountability. In addition, a concern raised by specialists in all three countries is the demise of low skilled jobs, which traditionally have attracted people with intellectual disabilities. It is proposed that improving the level of education and training available for people with intellectual disabilities may improve their employment opportunities. In this vein, key aspects of these countries' respective support programs were identified as an aid to policy-makers and service providers reconciling the disparities between employment needs and opportunities.