Disability is an important development issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (L&MICs) because of the link between disability and poverty. A new Campbell review assesses interventions to help people with disabilities in L&MIC labour markets, finding a number of potentially useful interventions but a limited evidence base.
The review examined
- the range and impacts of interventions to help people with physical and sensory disabilities engage in labour market activities
- how programmes effects are moderated by participant or setting characteristics, and
- why particular interventions do – or do not – work
The review included 14 studies from nine countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, covering a total of 15 interventions, including treatment & therapy, and occupational rehabilitation services. The outcomes measured were: motivation to work, professional social skills, employment participation, self-employment, income, and hours worked. In all 14 studies the outcomes favoured the interventions.
Limited evidence was found to suggest that
- therapeutic interventions, such as cataract surgery and occupational rehabilitation programmes, can be effective in increasing rates of employment
- the use of assistive devices such as prostheses and wheelchairs may lead to higher chances of participation in the labour market and higher income
- therapeutic techniques and social skills programmes may improve employment participation
- loan schemes for disabled people may positively affect employment, self-employment, working hours and income
However, all the studies had a high risk of bias. So the author’s main conclusion is the need for rigorous evaluation of these interventions.