Are My Employer’s Reasonable Accommodations Actually Reasonable?
June 4, 2024
10 Examples of Workplace Retaliation
June 4, 2024Disability discrimination is a serious concern, so it’s crucial to recognize these 10 signs of disability discrimination in the workplace.
Discrimination can have a severe impact on individuals with disabilities. It is against the law. But we must recognize the discriminatory behavior before we can take action to stop it.
Signs of Disability Discrimination in the Workplace
Here are some common indicators of disability discrimination occurring in the workplace:
1. Unjust Denial of Accommodations
Example: An employee with a mobility impairment requests a reasonable accommodation, such as an ergonomic chair, but the request is denied without a valid explanation.
2. Unequal Treatment
Example: Employees with disabilities are consistently given less favorable treatment than their non-disabled peers, such as being passed over for promotions or subjected to harsher discipline.
3. Harassment Based on Disability
Example: An employee with a mental health condition is subjected to derogatory comments, jokes, or ridicule by colleagues or superiors.
4. Failure to Provide Necessary Equipment
Example: An employee with a visual impairment is not provided with the necessary assistive technology or tools needed to perform their job effectively.
5. Prejudice During Hiring Process
Example: A qualified candidate with a disability is not hired due to assumptions about their abilities, even though they can perform the essential job functions.
6. Retaliation for Seeking Accommodations
Example: An employee who requests reasonable accommodations faces retaliation, such as being passed over for promotions or given undesirable job assignments.
7. Isolation and Segregation
Example: Employees with disabilities are consistently isolated from the rest of the team or given less desirable workspaces, contributing to a sense of exclusion.
8. Inaccessible Facilities
Example: The workplace lacks accessible facilities, making it difficult for employees with disabilities to navigate or use common areas.
9. Denial of Training Opportunities
Example: Employees with disabilities are consistently denied access to professional development opportunities or training programs available to their non-disabled counterparts.
10. Failure to Make Job Modifications
Example: An employee with a medical condition requests a reasonable modification to their work schedule due to treatment needs, but the employer refuses without considering alternatives.
Please note that while these are 10 of the most common signs, they are not the only things that can indicate that discrimination is occurring. If you see other behaviors not listed here that you believe are discriminating against someone with a disability — yourself or someone else — don’t ignore it.
Take steps to address and rectify the situation.
What to Do If You Suspect Disability Discrimination
If you suspect or directly experience disability discrimination in the workplace, you don’t have to accept it or “just live with it.” There are employment laws — including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) — that protect your rights to equal opportunities and a fair and inclusive work environment.
Here are some important steps to take in addressing disability discrimination in the workplace:
- Document Incidents. Keep a detailed record of any incidents related to disability discrimination, including dates, times, locations, individuals involved, and a thorough description of what transpired. Use the ToProovIt® app to make documentation easy.
- Follow Company Procedures. Familiarize yourself with your company’s policies on discrimination and harassment. Follow the established procedures for reporting workplace issues.
- Consult HR or Management. Report your concerns to the human resources department or a trusted supervisor. Ask for an interactive meeting so that you can clearly communicate your needs and requests. Provide your documented evidence of discrimination and request a meeting to discuss the issue.
- Seek Legal Advice. If the issue persists or escalates, consider consulting with an attorney experienced in employment law to understand your rights and potential courses of action.
By recognizing and addressing signs of disability discrimination, you make the workplace better not just for yourself but for everyone. You contribute to fostering a workplace culture of diversity and inclusivity. One where individuals of all abilities are respected and supported.