Abstract:
The article focuses on the socio-psychological integration of people with disabilities, which
remains an important issue for most countries. The author refers to a number of studies conducted
in Ukraine and abroad, which show that, despite the efforts of states, there are still problems with
the acceptance of persons with disabilities by society, and this primarily concerns the right to work.
Discrimination and prejudice against people with disabilities by employers is based on the belief
that typical abilities are higher. At its heart, ableism is rooted in the assumption that disabled people
require ‘fixing’ and defines people by their disability. It is a system that values people based on their
bodies and minds and what society deems to be ‘normal’, and devalues and limits the potential of
disabled people. In such conditions, one of the areas of work in the field of social and psychological
rehabilitation of people with disabilities and their employment is to encourage them to start their
own business. At the same time, according to the author, the problem of self-employment of people
with disabilities needs in-depth analysis not only in terms of the number of people who received help
in starting their own business, but also in a number of other indicators used in research by foreign
scientists. The article reveals the reasons why people with disabilities do not dare to start their own
business. First, it concerns the stereotypes that exist in society. Second, people with disabilities often
have problems with work motivation. Third, these are the fears that people with disabilities face in
society. Fourth, it is discrimination in society. Fifth, the lack of social communication. The problem
of psychological readiness of a person with disabilities to start their own business remains very
relevant today. Among the main reasons for psychological readiness for self-employment, the author
identifies: lack of previous experience, insecurity, lack of motivation for self-employment among
people with disabilities. employment and economic growth. A number of socio-psychological causes
cause social tension, poverty, insecurity, material and moral degradation of people with disabilities
and their families.
