Background: Strengths- based employment services focused on the abilities of people with intellectual disabilities challenge traditional, deficits- based orientations. Within the presence of hope, which sustains collective effort toward a preferred future, such employment services may stimulate social change. Therefore, the presence of hope was examined within strengths- based employment settings for adults with intellectual disabilities to understand its potential to establish inclusive workplaces. Methods: Employees with intellectual disabilities supported by strength- based employment services, as well as their employers and co- workers, completed semi- structured interviews. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Hope was present within strength- based employment services through the (a) co- sharing of strengths, (b) movement toward a shared, preferred future, (c) alignment of personal and collective goals, and (d) (co)transformation of interacting parties. Conclusion: Implementing strengths- based employment services for people with intellectual disabilities is supported, as it facilitates the cultivation of hope and thus movement toward inclusive and equitable workplaces.
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