BARRIERS AND CHALLENGES IN THE LABOR INSERTION OF INDIGENOUS UNIVERSITY GRADUATES WITH DISABILITIES: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

The labor market inclusion of people with disabilities of Indigenous descent who are graduating from higher education presents a complex challenge for social justice, equity, and human rights. Based on an integrative review of academic publications in the social sciences, this work aimed to analyze the barriers and challenges faced by university graduates with disabilities who are Indigenous peoples during the process of entering the labor market. Using a qualitative approach, articles published between 2020 and 2025 in databases such as DOAJ, Latindex, SciELO, and Scopus, as well as official diagnostic documents, were analyzed. The findings revealed discrepancies between the academic training received and the job functions performed, resulting in low rates of formal employment and job instability. Among the main obstacles identified were the absence of public policies that address both ethnic origin and disability, deficiencies in technological and physical accessibility, as well as prejudice, devaluation of traditional Indigenous knowledge, and stigmatizing behaviors. In addition, there is a lack of empirical evidence on graduates who combine both conditions. In conclusion, labor market integration for this vulnerable group is influenced by structural, attitudinal, and cultural barriers.