Disabilities in the Workplace
A disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of a person’s major life activities. Employers often struggle with how to respond and cope with workers with disabilities, but learning the basics about etiquette, as well as rights and responsibilities as outlined by the American Disabilities Act, or ADA, can make the situation better for everyone. This course describes the ADA, the benefits of hiring workers with disabilities, types of disabilities, reasonable accommodations, interviewing and etiquette, as well as how to prevent and deal with discrimination.
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Learning Objectives
• Describe the goals of the Americans with Disabilities Act • Differentiate between types of disabilities • Identify an employer’s rights and responsibilities regarding employees with disabilities • Define the concepts of reasonable accommodations and undue hardship • Identify the do’s and don’ts about interviewing applicants with disabilities • Describe the proper etiquette to use when working and communicating with workers with disabilities • Describe how to prevent discrimination, as well as how to deal with it if it does occur
Specs
| Course Level | Intermediate |
| Languages | English |
| Compatibility | Audio, Video |
| Based on: | • Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990: Title I and Title V |
Key Questions
How is a disability defined?
A disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of a person’s major life activities.
What is the primary purpose of the Americans with Disabilities Act? (ADA)
The primary purpose of the ADA is to ensure that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else, including public accommodations, transportation, state and local government services, telecommunications, and employment.
What are some benefits of hiring a worker with a disability?
There are several benefits to hiring a worker with a disability, such as the increased ability to think creatively, solve problems, and adapt to changing situations that people who have never had to deal with any type of disability might have not experienced.
What is a reasonable accommodation?
A reasonable accommodation is any change or adjustment to a job or work environment that permits a qualified applicant or employee with a disability to participate in the job application process, to perform the essential functions of a job, or to enjoy benefits and privileges of employment equal to those enjoyed by employees without disabilities.
Are employers required to make accommodations to employees with disabilities even if it costly?
Employers are not required to make accommodations if it causes what is referred to as undue hardship, which is an accommodation that would be unduly costly, extensive, substantial, or disruptive or would fundamentally alter the nature or operation of a business.
Sample Video Transcript
The Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, is a powerful and important act that impacts millions of people dealing with all different types of disabilities. The primary purpose of the ADA is to ensure that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else. Including public accommodations, transportation, state and local government services, telecommunications, and employment. The government refers to it as an equal opportunity law for people with disabilities. In 2009, the ADA Amendments Act went into effect, changing the way the definition of disability was being interpreted. The additional information covered the function of major body systems. Helping people with cancer and other serious conditions meet the definition of disability.
Additional Resources
- United States Department of Justice Civil Rights Division – www.ada.gov
- United States Department of Labor – www.dol.gov
- DOL Disability Resources – http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/disability/index.htm
- Disability.gov – www.disability.gov
Course Applies To
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