L'insertion socioprofessionnelle des personnes porteuses de handicap invisible dans les entreprises d'économie sociale : bilan et perspective

Abstract

Although general knowledge of disability has progressed considerably in recent years, many challenges remain and require greater attention. Among these challenges, invisible disabilities present particular challenges. Indeed, 80 per cent of disabilities are invisible, while society continues to associate disability with representations such as people in wheelchairs. This invisibility complicates the recognition of disability, which is essential if people are to obtain certain forms of assistance. What is more, this invisibility reinforces the taboo nature of disability, encouraging some people to conceal their difficulties. This invisibility also prevents those close to people with disabilities from understanding the need for support, both in their private and professional lives. In this thesis, we first explore the existing literature on managing disability-related diversity in companies, focusing on invisible disabilities and social economy companies. We also looked at the concept of reasonable accommodation in the Belgian legislation. In addition, we looked at the difficulty of recognising disability in Belgium and the aid available as a result. Secondly, this information was then compared with data gathered during our interviews with social economy federations, disability experts and managers of people with invisible disabilities in companies. We also compared the management of invisible disabilities between adapted work companies, other social enterprises and traditional companies. This research has enabled us to take stock of the support given to people with invisible disabilities in companies, particularly in social enterprises. It has also led to the formulation of a number of suggestions for improving the monitoring of workers with invisible disabilities, and to a glimpse of the future.