Disparities in the workplace because of disabilities is awfully all too common. 61 million Americans have a disability. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 21.3% of individuals with disabilities were employed in 2022. Promoting an inclusive environment within essentially all workplaces is essential to progress in modern day business and employment opportunities for those who are unprivileged because of their disability. Addressing ableism in businesses and employment opportunities is going to be the first step in the right direction. This article is going to bring attention to the lack of support and discrimination of a community that is often ignored.
According to the ADA, a disability is classified as “… record of, or be regarded as having a substantial, as opposed to a minor, impairment. A substantial impairment is one that significantly limits or restricts a major life activity such as hearing, seeing, speaking, walking, breathing, performing manual tasks, caring for oneself, learning or working.” (eeoc.gov, Section ‘Are You Protected by the ADA?’). People with disabilities that are capable of working may have difficulties finding jobs because of ableism in many corporations.
Ableism is defined as “Any statement or behavior directed at a disabled person that denigrates or assumes a lesser status for the person because of their disability.” (cultureamp.com, Section How ableism creates employment and workplace barriers). Ableism comes in many forms such as discrimination, regrection solely because of their disability, lack of accessibility in the workplace, sign language interpreters, etc, etc. These are all prohibited by the ADA and are able to be reported. This does not mean it does not happen.
Employers will often dismiss those with disabilities because of the price of accommodations for one employee. Accommodations include screen readers, standing desks, hearing aids, etc. Accommodations for just one employee may cost around $500 per employee. However, this is merely an example of ableism in employers. Employees often bring their own accommodations and most cost near to nothing. To accommodate their employees, employers must be understanding and cooperating. Employers being understanding of their employees and their individual accommodations are small steps to combating ableism in the workplace.
Identifying ableism in the workplace is one thing. Finding a workplace with accommodations is another. When looking for businesses and corporations to work with, look for ramps, reserved parking spots, flexible work schedules, etc. These are just the start of inclusion of those with disabilities in the workplace. In the future, we all hope employment opportunities are most accessible for all.
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