DIFFERENCES IN THE WORK READINESS OF PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES: THE ROLE OF SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC AND DIAGNOSTIC FACTORS

Abstract

Work readiness is a key prerequisite for the successful integration of people with intellectual disabilities (ID). However, there is a lack of research that systematically examines how readiness varies in relation to the combination of key factors. This re search aimed to investigate whether there are statistically significant differences in the work of adults with ID with respect to selected socio-demographic elements (gender, age, education, family status, work experience) and a diagnostic factor (degree o f ID). A convenience sample of unemployed individuals with ID in Bosnia and Herzegovina (N = 72) was assessed using the Work Readiness Scale. The results of the applied non -parametric tests show that there are no statistically significant differences betwe en socio-demographic elements and work readiness. In contrast, the degree of ID proved to be highly important : people with mild ID achieve statistically significantly higher results compared to people with moderate ID (U = 294.00, p = 0.003, r = -0.35). These findings indicate that basic functional capacities play a primary role in shaping readiness, going beyond the influence of standard demographic characteristics. The analysis also uncovers critical systemic issues: a severe lack of early work experience , insufficient functional family support, and education misaligned with labour market needs. The practical implications emphasise the need for differentiation of support programs according to functional profiles that best reflect the degree of ID, urgent implementation of a system for gaining work experience , and strengthening the quality of support in the family * Correspondence author: Milena Nikoli ć, Faculty for Special Education and Rehabilitation, University of Tuzla, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina E-mail: milena.nikolic@untz.ba Milena Nikolić, Aida Demirović Research in Education and Rehabilitation 2026; 9 (1): 48-60 DOI: 10.51558/2744-1555.2026.9.1.48 49 and community while simultaneously removing structural barriers on the labour market. The findings should be viewed in light of the study's limita tions, including the convenience sample, cross-sectional design, and the question of the comprehensiveness of the scale, which suggest the need for future longitudinal research with more representative samples.