What Is Disability?
Disability covers many conditions, both visible and invisible
What to Do
A grab-and-go summary to take to meetings or use on the fly
Do this
Recognize disability, thoughtfully and respectfully.
Not this
Dismiss persons with disability as “faking it,” being weak, or having a character flaw.
Do this
Understand the ADA definition of disability and how it applies to employers.
Not this
Be confused by definitions of disability that do not apply to employment.
Do this
Realize that disabilities are not always obvious to others.
Not this
View obvious disabilities as somehow more legitimate.
Do this
Know that protections against disability discrimination extend to those who have a record of a disability, are believed to have a disability, or are associated with someone with a disability.
Not this
Limit your view of disability to persons who have a disability now.
Do this
Understand that disabilities can involve physical or mental impairments.
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Treat people with physical impairments differently than those who have mental impairments.
Do this
Understand that what is important to know is how an individual’s disability affects their functioning.
Not this
Google a diagnosis and assume you understand a person’s ability to do a job.
Do this
Recognize that people with disabilities are one of the largest diversity populations in our country. They are your customers, applicants, and employees.
Not this
Diminish your business by not including disability.