Abstract

People with disabilities are entitled to the same rights as others, yet they continue to experience discrimination due to their perceived inability to compete. The presence of various stigmas surrounding PWDs makes it challenging for them to secure employment opportunities. Consequently, there is a limited availability of jobs for PWDs, leading many individuals with disabilities to opt for entrepreneurial pursuits or starting their own businesses instead. This research endeavors to examine the entrepreneurial circumstances of PWDs and their role within the labor market in Central Celebes Province, Indonesia. It utilizes data from the National Socio-Economic Survey 2023 and employs cross-tabulation analysis methods to provide a comprehensive overview of PWDs in the labor market. Additionally, Pearson Chi-Square and Likelihood Ratio tests are conducted to establish correlations between work status among PWD workers and factors such as gender, residential area, field of business operations, and educational level.

The results indicate that people with disabilities face more significant barriers to entering the labor force as employees. Interestingly, men with disabilities seem to encounter greater difficulties in this regard than women. Entrepreneurship offers an independent avenue for business ownership that is less reliant on external factors, providing individuals with disabilities increased opportunities for self-employment. It's notable that many PWD entrepreneurs are elementary school graduates or have had limited formal education, reside in rural areas, and work within the agricultural sector - signifying a micro-scale operation. However, these businesses often face vulnerability to competition, leaving individuals with disabilities at risk of losing their enterprises. The employment landscape for PWDs could be improved if governments make efforts to provide skills training programs tailored specifically to PWDs' needs so they can thrive in competitive job markets. Furthermore, it is important for both private and government-owned companies to create specialized facilities and allocate jobs according to the availability of skilled PWD workers.