Section 1: Disability Fundamentals
Section 1: Disability Fundamentals
What do I need to know about disability as it pertains to my responsibilities as an employer?
Disability Defined
"An interaction between an individual’s personal condition and environmental factors which together lead to disability and affect an individual’s participation in society."
Source: United Nations
- Disabilities can be visible/apparent or invisible/hidden.
- People may choose to disclose or not disclose their disabilities.
- Disabilities can be congenital or acquired, permanent or temporary.
Understanding disability is the first step to inclusion.
Disability Employment Legislation and Compliance
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act and other disability laws and regulations, most employers are legally required to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities to apply for jobs and perform the essential functions of their jobs.
Empowerment Extras
This Employer’s Guide to Reasonable Accommodation provides simple guidance around workplace accommodations. (5 min video)
Watch VideoDisability Disclosure
To prevent discrimination, employers are restricted from inquiring about disabilities or conducting medical exams before extending a conditional job offer. After the offer, they can ask about disabilities or request medical exams, but it must be consistent for all candidates.
Empowerment Extras
This CNBC Report sheds light on why employees are reluctant to disclose disabilities in the workplace. (4 min video)
Watch Video