The possibility of cooperatives: a vital contributor in creating meaningful work for people with disabilities. Issue 9 (26th November 2019) - Westoby, Peter
Abstract: This article examines the rich lived experience of members of a 20-year-old workers' cooperative in Brisbane, Australia – primarily made up of members who have intellectual disabilities – and reveals the need for significant social support to ensure people can access meaningful work. Drawing on the findings of our case-study research conducted with the Nundah Community Enterprise Cooperative, we argue that cooperatives can be a vital contributor in creating meaningful work for people with disabilities. Importantly, our case study strengthens the case that meaningful employment can be created and supported by such a holistic cooperative model, which also includes a role for meso-level community organisations. Overall, the case study is really the story of what cooperative solidarity and mutuality can achieve as one way of overcoming the social distress or social injury of not having meaningful work.