Left Behind

Why, despite decades of legislation, quotas, and incentives, do persons with disabilities in South Africa remain excluded from meaningful work?

Left Behind presents original nationwide research into the employment crisis facing persons with disabilities. Using a mixed methods approach that combines survey findings with qualitative insights, the book uncovers systemic barriers in recruitment, workplace access, and education. It shows how discrimination and weak policy implementation intersect with race, gender, geography, and socioeconomic status to shape outcomes. Through rigorous analysis and the voices of those directly affected, it exposes why existing measures fall short and what must change to achieve real inclusion.

Looks at the experiences of people with physical and sensory disabilities in South Africa on their path to and in employment. It takes a look at the challenges and discrimination they face in gaining employment as well as in the workplace. Aims to gain insight through surveys and interviews as to what people feel could be helpful or what should be done to include them in the workplace and where they feel the core issues lie to gaining employment.