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CONNECTIONS BETWEEN SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS EMPLOYEES WITH DISABILITIES
7-17Views:1436Since the annexation to the European Union, exceptional attention has been directed to equal opportunities and equal treatment of disadvantaged social groups in Hungary too. The Hungarian state tries to ensure the first and foremost with legal tools. It is, however, not enough to result in lasting changes in the attitude of society. Personal experiences, as well as, positive messages transmitted by others can produce a positive effect on the development of inclusive approaches. With respect to sociodemographic characteristics (e.g. gender, age, school qualification) investigations into this field suggest different research results. The questionnaire data collection took place in three districts of Hungary. The research was aimed at questioning two test groups, on one hand, the employees of social institutions who mainly deal with disadvantaged persons, on the other hand, the residents of the given districts, who have the knowledge and approach of an average citizen. The ingenuity of the research is put down to the fact that in Hungary there had never been researching to explore the attitudes of social employees. A total of 747 persons filled in the questionnaires, out of which 408 employees in social institutions and 339 district residents. This present study discloses the deeper connections of the research results which are observable between the two test groups’ attitudes to persons with disabilities and sociodemographic characteristics. Its significance is crucial in identifying the characteristics of the colleague playing an actual role in the integration who, as a reference person, with his own personal involvement can promote the integration of disabled persons into workplace communities. In the research of attitudes three well-distinguished clusters were outlined, which were named as follows: accepting, uncertain/indifferent, rejecting. The study investigates what kind of sociodemographic characteristics the residents, and social workers who belong to the three clusters have. Do people who belong to the same cluster posses similar attributes in both test samples? What kind of attributes has the residents and social workers got who show a higher level of acceptance? According to the findings of the research, the attitudes of the district residents differ in age, school qualification, and personal experience, whereas in the case of the social workers the difference in attitudes depends on age and school qualification.
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ATTITUDES TOWARDS THE SPORT OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, I. E.: IS THE SPORT IMPORTANT IN THE LIVES OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES?
19-34Views:545The equal opportunities approach of the second half of the 20th century emphasizes the social inclusion of disadvantaged groups, including persons with disabilities. Education and employment play a key role in achieving integration. Nevertheless, other fields such as leisure time and sporting activities also contribute positively to the social involvement of persons with disabilities. At present nearly 7,000 persons with disabilities are registered in Hungary who pursue sports competitively, of whom approximately 5,000 persons with intellectual disabilities (Regényi et.al, 2017). The study discloses the partial results of a research aimed at revealing the awareness of the Hungarian population regarding the sport of people with disabilities. As such research has never been carried out in Hungary before, it can fill in a niche. The results of our exploratory research may be the starting point for further investigations. The importance of the topic is given by the fact that thanks to the sport the focus is on the outstanding performance of the social group concerned rather than on their limitations and deficiencies, which therefore reinforces the positive and accepting attitude of citizens. Previous research findings have highlighted that the nature of disability-related knowledge influences the way the members of society think about persons with disabilities, i.e. when it is possible to provide information and gain experience focusing on the existing abilities and strengths of the above -mentioned group, attitudes become more positive as well. The findings of the research reveal that respondents consider it important to pursue sport within an integrated framework, at the same time they feel it is justified to do segregated sports with a view to persons with disabilities. Based on the results we can state that the media coverage of achievements in sports competitions of persons with disabilities is perceived as low level, but apparently it is not considered to be a key area in the lives of persons with disabilities.
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HR TOOLS SUPPORTING EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
7-17Views:211Hungarian statistical surveys, as well as previous research, point out the disadvantages experienced by persons with disability and a reduced work capacity on the labour market, due to which their employment falls behind the employment of the average population. In the background of these drawbacks, there are partially negative attitudes in the society and among employers which are based on prejudices. On the other hand, in the course of the integration and permanent employment of persons with disability and a reduced work capacity not only the accepting attitude of employers but also that of employees is essential. Employment policy instruments may facilitate the economic activity of the disadvantaged labour market groups but they may need their employers to help them further with employment, integration and work. The expected or received help of the open labour market or its degree do not always meet. No empirical research has been done into this topic yet. The aim of my research is to explore the attitude, approach, and knowledge of workers in social institutions in three districts of Hajdú-Bihar county and of the inhabitants in these districts regarding persons with disability and reduced work capacity. Questionnaire research was conducted, and altogether 747 persons (408 workers at social institutes and 339 citizens) were interviewed. The present study focuses on the exploratory-like results of the research which reveal the test groups’ familiarity with and knowledge of the application of those HR management tools that can further the employment of persons with reduced work capacity. The study assesses the results based on the following variables: sex, school qualification, position, previously gained knowledge about the reduced work capacity and work experience with persons with reduced work capacity. The results of the research suggest that for persons with a reduced work capacity the organisations mainly ensure the personalised field of work, preferential working hours, and accessible work environment, but it is not certain to be enough for the permanent employment of the target group as due to their mobility difficulties they would really need support to get to their work as well.
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FACTORS SUPPORTING HIGHER EDUCATION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN THE LIGHT OF A RESEARCH
85-99Views:258Compared to other social groups, persons with disabilities are at higher risk of poverty. One of the reasons for this can be explained by the labour market situation of people with disabilities, as their employment is extremely low, their livelihood is primarily ensured by social benefits. One of the main guarantees of achieving an adequate standard of living is income from work. The higher qualifications the employee has, the higher the chance is to have a job that suits his/her interests and abilities. However, persons with disabilities tend to have lower educational qualifications than members of the majority of society, and their higher education is particularly low. In order to achieve equal opportunities, persons with disabilities may take advantage of allowances and subsidies in the course of their higher education as well as their studies. Using qualitative, semi-structured interviews, the research explores how services promoting equal opportunities at universities facilitate the higher education of students with disabilities, support their job search and their integration into the labour market. The research also comprised the examination of how the family background or previous (primary and secondary school) studies influenced the higher education of the interviewees. Based on the research results, it can be stated that promoting equal opportunities at universities contributes to the successful completion of studies as well as participation in the labour market eventually. The family, the parents, studying in an integrated framework play a crucial role in the decision of a student with disabilities to continue his/her studies at university.