Abstract
In this study we attempt to bring attention to the situation of people with disabilities in the developing world by focusing on the labor market of Nepal. Utilizing a unique dataset collected from people with hearing, physical, and visual impairments through questionnaire-based interview methods, we compare across employment based on type of impairments and education levels to identify variation in occupational choices, as well as examining any positive life changes brought by employment. Results indicated that people with hearing, physical or visual impairments often dominated a specific employment sector. Numbers of people with physical, hearing and visual impairments were respectively large in the non-governmental organization sector, restaurants, and local schools. In addition to income, greater social inclusion, respect in the community, more friends, increased confidence, and discovering the new abilities were some of the positive life changes experienced by employees with disabilities.
Acknowledgements
The author would like to express gratitude to Satoshi Fukushima and Yasuyuki Sawada for their comments. The author would also like to thank both the enumerators and participants who graciously took the time and responsibility to participate in the survey and interview. The author also thanks two anonymous referees for their comments. Similarly, the author thanks Kristin Vekasi for her helpful editing.