Removing barriers to work: Building economic security for people with psychiatric disabilities

Abstract

Using findings from two studies conducted in British Columbia, Canada, that examined income and employment supports for people with psychiatric disabilities we argue that economic security is essential for mental health recovery, and that supported employment and social enterprise models are well suited to support these goals. We contend that the aims and values underlying neo-liberalism, with its attendant welfare state restructuring, undermine the progressive vision of recovery and the practice of citizenship for people with psychiatric disabilities.