Disabilities in the Workplace

Key Questions

The following key questions are answered in this module:

How is a disability defined?
A disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of a person's major life activities.

What is the primary purpose of the Americans with Disabilities Act? (ADA)
The primary purpose of the ADA is to ensure that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else, including public accommodations, transportation, state and local government services, telecommunications, and employment.

What are some benefits of hiring a worker with a disability?
There are several benefits to hiring a worker with a disability, such as the increased ability to think creatively, solve problems, and adapt to changing situations that people who have never had to deal with any type of disability might have not experienced.

What is a reasonable accommodation?
A reasonable accommodation is any change or adjustment to a job or work environment that permits a qualified applicant or employee with a disability to participate in the job application process, to perform the essential functions of a job, or to enjoy benefits and privileges of employment equal to those enjoyed by employees without disabilities.

Are employers required to make accommodations to employees with disabilities even if it costly?
Employers are not required to make accommodations if it causes what is referred to as undue hardship, which is an accommodation that would be unduly costly, extensive, substantial, or disruptive or would fundamentally alter the nature or operation of a business.

Sample Video Transcript

Below is a transcript of the video sample provided for this module:

The Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, is a powerful and important act that impacts millions of people dealing with all different types of disabilities. The primary purpose of the ADA is to ensure that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else. Including public accommodations, transportation, state and local government services, telecommunications, and employment. The government refers to it as an equal opportunity law for people with disabilities. In 2009, the ADA Amendments Act went into effect, changing the way the definition of disability was being interpreted. The additional information covered the function of major body systems. Helping people with cancer and other serious conditions meet the definition of disability.

Additional Resources

Use the additional resources and links below to learn more about this topic:

• United States Department of Justice Civil Rights Division - www.ada.gov
• United States Department of Labor - www.dol.gov
• DOL Disability Resources - http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/disability/index.htm
• Disability.gov - www.disability.gov

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