Digitalisation is drastically changing labour markets, and some studies suggest that people with disabilities could be primary beneficiaries. One key example in this narrative is the growth of platform work – the matching of supply and demand for paid work through a digital platform. Anecdotal evidence suggests that platform work could offer people with disabilities flexible opportunities to participate in the labour market, such as working from home at their convenience. Conversely, others caution that people with disabilities could be excluded from economic and social advances, and disparities may only increase.
In light of these points, this report investigates the effects of digitalisation – both opportunities and challenges – on the inclusion of people with disabilities in the labour market. This report examines digitalisation through two complementary case studies. Case study one looks at the challenges and risks associated with digitalisation on people with disabilities in Austria, while case study two focuses on the challenges and risks of platform work for people with disabilities in the EU.
The authors of this report are grateful for the funding and guidance of the Austrian EU-Presidency in the second semester of 2018, as well as the Austrian Federal Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Health and Consumer Protection (BMASKG). The Austrian Federal Ministry has published this report in German and English on their website.
