What is it about?
This study asked eight managers of private sector companies in the Makkah region of Saudi Arabia about the challenges of employing people with intellectual disabilities and how these could be overcome, using in-depth interviews. It focuses on the point of view of employers, who make the hiring decisions that open or close the door to work.
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Why is it important?
Employers pointed to the need for a suitable work environment and its cost, limited awareness of what people with intellectual disabilities can do, related fears, and little knowledge of the benefits of hiring them. The study offers practical suggestions to address these barriers and to promote the employment of people with intellectual disabilities in Saudi Arabia.
Perspectives
Work is an important route to independence and inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities. I hope this study helps employers, policymakers and support services in Saudi Arabia turn awareness into real job opportunities.
Prof Nizar H Bagadood
Umm Al-Qura University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Employing people with intellectual disabilities in Saudi Arabia: Challenges and solutions from an employer perspective, Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, November 2025, SAGE Publications,
DOI: 10.1177/17446295251398359.
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