Abstract:
This mixed methods research composing of quantitative and qualitative study aims to (1) investigate perception of companies and persons with disabilities (PWDs)/their caregiver towards Section 35 of Persons with Disabilities Empowerment Act 2007, (2) investigate association between characteristics of companies as well as PWDs/caregivers, and their perception towards section 35 of Persons with Disabilities Empowerment Act 2007 and (3) investigate the association between a CSR trend and the enforcement of Section 35 of Persons with Disabilities Empowerment Act 2007 in Bangkok area. In terms of quantitative study, participants were 124 representatives of companies and 207 PWDs or their caregivers selected by stratified random sampling. Questionnaires regarding Section 35 of Person with Disabilities Empowerment Act 2007 were sent to those participants via postal mail. For qualitative study, participants were 39 participants including 8 PWDs/caregivers, 9 representatives of companies, 22 other stakeholders (government organizations, disabled people organizations, professionals) selected by purposive sampling. In-depth interview guidelines were obtained data from those particular participants. The study reveals that perception or knowledge of companies and PWDs/caregivers towards Section 35 of Persons with Disabilities Empowerment Act 2007 is moderate level. Moreover, characteristics of disabilities and the education levels of PWDs are associated with the perception of Section 35 of Persons with Disabilities Empowerment Act 2007 at a statistical significance of 0.05. Persons with physical and visual disabilities similarly showed a higher perception level than other disability groups. However, the companies' characteristics including a number of employees, categories of companies, period of activity performances are not associated with the perception of Section 35 of Persons with Disabilities Empowerment Act 2007. The study also reveals that only some hospitality businesses and big companies are able to provide the corporate social responsibility activities promoting employment for PWDs according to the Section 35 of Persons with Disabilities Empowerment Act 2007, while most companies have not provided corporate social responsibility programs. Based on study results, it would be recommended that further promotion and public relations regarding the legal rights of PWDs and their caregivers should be established through public service broadcastings, especially the rights of occupation and employment. Finally, government sectors should allow all relevant parties to get involved in revising related laws and regulations in order to make an appropriate and effective policy implementation.