Date of Completion

2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy

Keywords

Person with Disabilities

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of PWDs in accessing BPO industries in the Philippines. It utilized a narrative design that tells stories of the participants which provided comprehensive descriptions of their workplace accessibility experiences. Four PWDs employed in BPO companies in Luzon were recruited using snowball sampling. Three participants have orthopedic disabilities brought by illnesses such as Poliomyelitis, Osteogenesis Imperfecta, and Stroke; while the remaining one has a disability due to chronic illness, particularly breast cancer. Each participant was interviewed using a validated semi-structured interview protocol prepared by the researchers. After analyzing interview results using the narrative thematic analysis, four narratives were formed containing the participants’ background—past and present experiences in accessing their workplace, and the turning points of each story. All participants’ names were replaced with pseudonyms. Jennifer experienced difficulties growing up until she entered her current BPO company. After having difficulties in his past workplace, Joseph now advocates for PWDs in his current workplace. After leaving a negative work environment, Mary has found a better one in her current workplace. Because of her colleagues, Leia felt like she almost returned to her status before she had stroke. Several themes emerged in each narrative; and the common themes are “Hardships in Life”, “Blueprint to Surpass Limitations”, “Growth as a PWD”, “As a Learner of PWD Laws”, “Definition of “PWD-friendly””, and the “Industry’s Evolution through One’s Lenses”. The Participants' experiences emphasize the impact of the environment, policies, support, and the evolving BPO industry that embraces inclusivity, implementing changes to facilitate accessibility for PWDs.

First Advisor

Floyd Robin M. Puno

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