Integrating Disability-Related Courses into Teacher Education Programmes in Kosovo: Implications for Inclusive Education

This study explores the perspectives of employers in Kosovo on hiring persons with disabilities. Using a qualitative design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with representatives of 15 businesses. Findings revealed that employers primarily hire persons with disabilities to promote social inclusion rather than to comply with legal obligations, suggesting that social inclusion considerations exert a stronger influence than formal regulatory requirements. Employers reported more positive experiences and fewer challenges than initially anticipated, although uncertainties regarding recruitment and candidate identification remained. The findings also indicate a significant dependence on Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs) as intermediaries for disability-inclusive recruitment. Businesses reported benefits of employing persons with disabilities, including improved company reputation, a better work climate, increased media presence and customer satisfaction. Overall, disability-inclusive employment appears to be shaped by the interaction of social, organisational and institutional factors rather than by legal obligations alone.