In spite of being numerically a significant portion of the Ethiopian societt), PWDs arernthe most povertt) stricken. There are many factors that directly or indirectly contributerntoward this state of affairs. But one factor that stands out, above all the others is theirrnlack of equal employment opportunities. It is evident that, employment empowersrnindividuals economically, gives them the mandate to define their own course of life,rnenhance their sense of self-worth and gives them the chance to contribute to the societt).rnThe legislative framework in place is one critical element that makes difference to thernattainment of equal employment opportu1lities of PWDs. In principle, employme1ltrnshould be based on the competence of the person with disabilitt) and the business needsrnof the employer. Persons with disabilities should not be employed on grounds of mererncompassion or corporate social responsibility.rnWithin this general framework, the contention of this thesis is that the legislativernmeasures taken in Ethiopia should provide for alternative employment measures thatrnwiden the access to equal employment opportunities and at the same time took intornaccount the heterogeneous nattlre of People with disabilities. As such, options such asrnsupported employment, sheltered employment, job retention and return to work thatrnare repackaged into business approach in contradistinction to the welfare approachrnshould be promoted side by side with the open labour market option. It is from thisrnpoint of view that the thesis examines the relevant laws and policies in Ethiopia.