CPsychol
Enhancing Employment Opportunities for People with intellectual disability in Greece through the combination of Technology and I/O Psychology.
This site is focused on my undergoing PhD research. The primary objective of this research is to address the significant issue of under employment of individuals with intellectual Disability in Greece by developing and implementing innovative and scientifically validated tools and methodologies for career orientation and ultimately job placement.
I would be delighted to share interesting results with you as the study progresses. Additionally, I am actively seeking collaborations with individuals or organizations interested in participating in my research or contributing their expertise and experience. Let’s work together to make meaningful advancements in this field!
Study Background
People with disabilities represent a significant portion of the European Union’s population, with over 100 million individuals identified as having disabilities, with around 2% of them experiencing intellectual disabilities (ID). These individuals often face challenges in education and employment, significantly impacting their quality of life. Unemployment rates for people with disabilities, especially those with ID, are disproportionately high due to systemic barriers, outdated educational systems, and societal prejudices.
In Greece, the structure of special education programs often fails to align with market needs or account for persons’ skills and interests, resulting in limited career opportunities and high unemployment rates. Legal frameworks and employer hesitancy further compound these issues, as concerns about productivity and needed adaptations to the work enviorment deter companies from inclusive hiring. Consequently, many individuals with ID face poverty and social exclusion.
Despite these challenges, progress is being made. Employers who adopt inclusive practices report benefits like higher productivity and lower turnover. Comprehensive vocational guidance is critical for improving outcomes, helping individuals with ID identify their strengths and align them with appropriate job opportunities. Programs that include skills assessment, career counseling, and job matching significantly enhance their chances of successful employment.
A structured job-matching process is essential to ensure better integration into the workforce. By aligning individuals’ skills, characteristics and interests with job requirements, employment outcomes improve, breaking the cycle of unemployment and socio economic isolation. Tailored support and systematic approaches are crucial to empowering individuals with ID, fostering their independence, and contributing to a more inclusive society.
This research is taking place at the University of Lincoln under the supervision of Dr. André Escórcio Soares and the Associate Professor Niko Karga.
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What are the most suitable job roles in the Greek market for people with intellectual disabilities and what skill sets and personal attributes are required for these roles?
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How can the skills, interests and personal attributes of students with intellectual disabilities be measured in a valid and reliable way?
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What is the most effective methodology of person-job matching?
Short CV
I’m Orfeas Stavrou (he/him/his), a Chartered Psychologist specializing in I/O Psychology and psychometric science. With over 12 years as Managing Partner at Evalion-SHL Greece & Cyprus, a leader in skills measurement, I’ve gained deep insights into how organizations thrive and the critical role of human potential. My expertise spans soft skills measurement for professionals during recruitment and development as well as for vocational guidance purposes.
In addition to my corporate work, I’m an Instructor at the University of Cyprus and a Research Fellow at the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute, where I merge academic expertise with real-world applications to inspire the next generation of professionals.
A personal mission drives my work: supporting neurodivergent individuals in their journey to meaningful employment. Growing up alongside my neurodivergent sister with intellectual disability, I’ve seen the barriers—and opportunities—faced by individuals facing a system that often overlooks their strengths. This lived experience has fueled my dedication to creating structured pathways for career development and job placement.
My research is taking place at the University of Lincoln.
Email: orfeas.stavrou@gmail.com
