Dr. Jaime Marie Elving

Research exploring work-related social experiences of coworkers of people with disabilities has been limited. Changes in the ways that individuals work closely with coworkers with disabilities over time have not been extensively studied.  Therefore, a constructivist grounded theory study using the theoretical framework of well-being theory was undertaken to answer the research question, How do working adults describe the process of working closely with a coworker with a visible disability?  Eight participants who had positive working relationships with a coworker with a visible disability were interviewed. The disabilities of the coworkers discussed included sensory (visual and hearing impairment), intellectual (Down syndrome and traumatic brain injury), physical (wheelchair use and limited hand use), and developmental (autism spectrum disorder). Following the interviews, the transcripts were coded via initial, focused, axial, and theoretical coding. A grounded theory was then developed and all six participants who volunteered to complete a second interview validated that the grounded theory reflected their experiences and made sense. The grounded theory developed was as follows: the process of working closely with a coworker with a visible disability begins with a period of initial discomfort, nervousness, and/or uncertainty.  In some cases, early challenges may need to be overcome. Then, individuals get to know one another, build trust, and break down barriers.  Learning, adapting, and/or growing occur. Finally, a truly positive working relationship is achieved.  As an outgrowth of this process, coworkers can become allies of their colleagues with disabilities. Strategies to enhance the process were identified. Some of these included examining feelings, focusing on the person rather than the disability, asking questions rather than making assumptions, creating a psychologically-safe working environment, and findings ways to leverage coworkers’ strengths.