Disability Discrimination In The Workplace: An Overview - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

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Disability Discrimination In The Workplace: An Overview

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Many millions of US citizens are physical or mentally disabled, and just like those belonging to minority race, religion and gender groups, they continue to face discrimination both socially and within the workplace. – PowerPoint PPT presentation

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Title: Disability Discrimination In The Workplace: An Overview


1
Disability Discrimination In The Workplace An
Overview
2
  • Many millions of US citizens are physical or
    mentally disabled, and just like those belonging
    to minority race, religion and gender groups,
    they continue to face discrimination both
    socially and within the workplace.
  • What is disability discrimination in the
    workplace?
  • When an employee, who has been taken on because
    they are qualified to perform that job role, is
    treated unfavorably because of their mental or
    physical disability, this is disability
    discrimination.

3
  • Unfortunately, there are many types of
    discrimination that can occur in the workplace,
    but there is a difference between the types of
    discrimination displayed towards disabled people,
    and the forms of discrimination directed towards
    people based upon their race, color, religion or
    gender.
  • The kind of discrimination shown towards disabled
    people can be caused by pity or even a misguided
    form of compassion, and can manifest itself in
    the form of demeaning or patronizing behavior and
    attitudes. It can also result in the fundamental
    needs of the disabled employee not being
    recognized this type of discrimination is known
    as benign neglect.

4
  • What is benign neglect in the workplace?
  • If a workplace does not provide adequate access
    for disabled people, such as by installing a
    ramp, or once inside their premises, there are no
    restroom facilities designed for disabled people
    to be able to use, then this can be benign
    neglect.
  • This form of discrimination isnt necessarily an
    indication that the person responsible has a
    feeling of hatred or apathy towards disabled
    people, it just shows that they have failed to
    recognize the needs of a certain minority section
    of their workforce.

5
  • How else does disability discrimination manifest
    itself in the workplace?
  • Discrimination may also take the form of
    harassment in the workplace, and can include
    offensive or hurtful remarks about a persons
    disability. While the law cant prohibit teasing,
    it can certainly look upon the constant
    harassment of an employee as being an illegal
    offence, particularly if it creates a hostile
    environment for the employee, to the point where
    they no longer feel comfortable or safe while at
    work.

6
  • How easy is it for disabled employees to report a
    case of discrimination?
  • In whatever form discrimination towards disabled
    people may manifest itself, for those disabled
    people who want, and need, to work, it can often
    be difficult for them to find a job that accepts
    and supports their disability. Then, should a
    disabled person find employment but their
    employer(s) discriminates against them by not
    recognizing their fundamental needs such as
    providing them with wheelchair access to the
    building, or they are offered a lower wage than
    their colleagues because of their supposed lack
    of ability to carry out the terms of their
    employment, it can be difficult for that person
    to report and take action against, their
    employer. In some cases, the types of
    discrimination (such as verbal harassment) may be
    impossible to prove, and the type of disability
    the victim has, can also cause controversy and
    come under scrutiny.

7
  • What is the Rehabilitation Act of 1973?
  • The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits any form
    of disability discrimination by federal agencies,
    contractors and others who receive federal
    financial assistance. Courts have ruled that
    private individuals may file actions under this
    act against such employers, as opposed to a
    government entity.

8
  • Law Office of Jesse D. Nelson is an employment
    law firm located in Knoxville, Tennessee. We are
    in business to represent employees. We also
    represent people facing family issues, such as
    divorce and child custody. We tailor a strategy
    for each case based on what is most important to
    you, our client. Whether you are looking for
    employment lawyers Knoxville, TN or labor lawyers
    Knoxville, TN, call us today at (865) 383-1053.
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