Successful evidence-based frameworks for promoting self-employment with persons with disabilities: A scoping review

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BackgroundAlthough research on persons with disabilities in self-employment is gaining traction, there is a lack of successful evidence-based frameworks used to facilitate self-employment.ObjectiveTo map existing literature on evidence-based frameworks for facilitating self-employment among persons with disabilities.MethodsThe three reviewers used the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) process and steps to enhance this research's methodological reproducibility and transparency. Both published and grey literature were searched. Arksey & O'Malley's five sequential stages guided the scoping review process.ResultsAfter screening 435 studies, only 10 were included. Of the ten included studies, the majority (n = 7, 70%) were from high-income countries. Evidence-based frameworks for persons with disabilities exist mainly in high-income countries and are referred to by various names, including programmes, training, models, and vocational rehabilitation. These are associated with internal and external barriers and facilitators. Moreover, a list of microenterprises for consideration by the key role players involved is available. These evidence-based frameworks' individualised processes start with a referral and end with a follow-up.ConclusionsAlthough the included studies did not use standardised terminologies for evidence-based frameworks, the findings suggest that self-employment for persons with disabilities is intersectoral and includes various key role players. Collaboration, positive attitudes, and the willingness of key role players involved foster the sustainability and continuity of these evidence-based frameworks. A central key role player is a skilled mediator who is aware of other key role players and their roles.