Discrimination against disabled people is another serious problem hindering self-sufficiency and independence efforts of people with disabilities. Discrimination against people with disabilities is a common problem, and not as easy to identify as other types of discrimination. A lot of this seems to be predicated on fear- fear of the unknown and not enough knowledge about the capabilities and skills of people with disabilities.
Kate Rogers of Seattle Washington discusses the basics of discrimination against people with disabilities in the workplace, Anthony Pierpont of St. Paul, Minnesota tells us about civil rights for the disabled and Chris Gavin of San Francisco, California explains the challenges still being faced by people with disabilities.
Discrimination against People with Disabilities in the Workplace by Kate Rogers of Seattle, Washington
Employers are required to make reasonable adjustments to a job site to allow a disabled person to work. Adapting the workplace to avoid discriminating against people with disabilities is often easier than it sounds. Often, it just takes simple changes to policies and procedures to ensure that the civil rights of disabled people are being met. Harassment, a form of discrimination against disabled people, is illegal and not tolerated in the workplace today. But more often, the struggles disabled people face in the workplace is less easy to identify. Learning more about disability etiquette, and how to work effectively and productively with disabled people, goes a long way in fighting discrimination.
Disabled Civil Rights Give People with Disabilities a Fighting Chance by Anthony Pierpont of St. Paul, Minnesota
Civil rights for the disabled ensure that it’s illegal to discriminate against people with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 prohibits any form of discrimination against disabled people by the government, transportation, telecommunications and employers. The act is similar to other laws that prohibit discrimination based on race, religion, sex and national origin. The Act provides civil rights for the disabled and is meant to prevent any discrimination in hiring, promotion or compensation activities. Disabled people who are looking for work must be able to perform essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodation. While the Act does provide some protection, companies still have a long way to go in providing ample hiring opportunities for people with disabilities.
Discrimination against Disabled People- Still Facing Many Challenges by Chris Gavin of San Francisco, California
Today’s job descriptions are often too restrictive, and greatly limit job opportunities for disabled people, while protecting prospective employers from accusations of discrimination. It probably isn’t intentional; often companies don’t realize how they easily they can make adjustments or changes to their current process in order to open up job opportunities for people with disabilities. More and more communities are starting to put a focus on providing jobs for the disabled, including holding job fairs that focus on jobs and career paths for people with disabilities. When coupled with learning and knowledge expos that also provide information on housing and other topics of concern related to the disabled, the job fairs help communities embrace their disabled citizens, working together to fight against discrimination. It’s a mindset that will take a long time to change towards the direction it needs to go, but it’s evolving.
We Thank Our Contributors:
- Kate Rogers of Seattle Washington
- Anthony Pierpont of St. Paul, Minnesota
- Chris Gavin of San Francisco, California
