The needs of persons with disabilities for livelihoods and access to the labor market in the context of war in Ukraine

How has the war affected the employment of people with disabilities and what challenges do they face? Is the labor market ready to absorb new workers? And what are the barriers faced by both employers and people with disabilities?

The NGO “League of the Strong” together with the research agency InfoSapiens conducted a study on the livelihood needs of people with disabilities and their access to the labor market in the context of the war in Ukraine. The survey included 1019 respondents, including 80% of adults with disabilities, 10% of caregivers of adults with disabilities, and 10% of caregivers of children with disabilities. 14% of respondents received a disability in connection with the hostilities after February 24, 2022 (including 5% of military and 9% of civilians).

The survey also included the management of 621 small, medium and large companies.

The data obtained will be useful to government agencies, businesses, NGOs and anyone working to improve support for people with disabilities.

The research has revealed that:

  • The employment rate among people with disabilities over the age of 14 remains extremely low, with only 20% currently working. In the 18–35 and 36–59 age groups, employment rates stand at 28% and 29%, respectively, while in the 60+ age group, only 6% are employed. The lowest employment rates are observed among respondents with intellectual and mental disabilities, with just 7% currently working.
  • Despite these challenges, people with disabilities represent a valuable workforce: 32% of adults have a higher education degree, while 45% have vocational or technical training. Additionally, 74% have constant access to the Internet, which means they could work remotely, and nearly 70% have prior work experience
  • The primary reasons people with disabilities struggle to find employment include low wages (42%) and employers’ reluctance to hire them (42%). The latter is often attributed to concerns about frequent sick leave. Additionally, around one in five respondents cited rigid work schedules, the lack of part-time opportunities, insufficient public transportation or workplace accessibility, and a shortage of remote job vacancies as significant barriers to employment.
  • The most common barriers preventing people with disabilities from acquiring a new profession include the financial cost (29%) and the need for mentorship (25%). Additionally, circumstances related to the ongoing war—such as prolonged power outages (23%) and military attacks (21%)—significantly hinder access to education and professional training.
  • The main barriers to employing people with disabilities, according to employers, are lack of support from the government (23%), doubts about the effectiveness of such employees (22%), inaccessible workspaces (20%), and financial difficulties with workplace adaptation (19%).

For example, the survey results showed a critically low level of employment among people with disabilities. The main barriers to employment are low salaries, employer stigma, lack of accessible transportation, and vacancies for remote work. Barriers to learning a new trade include financial costs, lack of mentoring, and the effects of the war, such as power outages and shelling. Employers cite a lack of government support, doubts about the effectiveness of workers with disabilities, and financial difficulties in adapting workplaces as key challenges.

The study was conducted with funding from the World Health Organization (WHO) in Ukraine and the United Kingdom government. The contents of the study are the sole responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position or opinion of WHO.

Read the full text of the study