Employment experiences of individuals with mentally-emotionallydisabilities as a social inclusion tool

In this study, it is aimed to explore the employment experiences of individuals with mental-emotional disabilities as a social inclusion. In this research, it has been tried to understand what experiences mentally-emotionally individuals have in employment processes, how they perceive their experiences and the effects of experiences on social inclusion. Qualitative research method was preferred in accordance with the purpose of the research. Descriptive phenomenological research design was used as it was aimed to explore the employment experiences of individuals with mental-emotional disabilities. The study group of the research consists of thirteen individuals with mental-emotional disorders who have employment experience. The research data were obtained from the participants in the study group by in-depth interview technique. MAXQDA 2020 was used to analyze the data. As a result of the research, three main themes have been reached: the perception of social inclusion, disabled person in work life and the imagined job for social inclusion. Employment is a powerful instrument for the social inclusion of individuals with mental-emotional disabilities; however, it has been determined that some conditions must exist in order to ensure social inclusion through employment. In line with the findings, the contents of the main themes and sub-themes have been presented in detail.