Discrimination Against Disabled People in the Workplace

A lot of discussion has been taking place for a long time regarding the phenomenon of employment discrimination against disabled people in the workplace. Discrimination against disabled people can be noticed even today in the common society. This is one of the worst social stigmas that the society has not been able to overcome. This fact indeed is shameful for the human race, as even after discoursing over the issue for so many years, we are not able to remove that disgusting curtain of discrimination against disabled people. Even today, the modern society, prefers to discriminate between disabled people and people who are not disabled.

Discrimination against Disabled People
The discrimination against disabled people in the workplace, is one of the worst issues that only plagues the ideologies and constitution of society at large. Governments, all across the world, have hence passed many laws and acts that prevent workplace prejudice when it comes to matters that concern disabled people. The provisions of these acts are basically put forth to prevent job discrimination against disabled people during the recruitment process, promotion, bonus, etc. Following are some of the provisions of the laws, related to discrimination in the workplace.

One of the biggest problems that was faced by many disabled people in workplace was the lack of appropriate infrastructure. Most of the business establishments, hence have to build extra infrastructural provisions for the disabled people; for example, special ramps for wheelchairs or provision for documents written in braille. Large-sized corporations, in fact, take a step forward and provide their disabled employees with specially trained dogs as guides.

When it comes to the recruitment process, companies and business establishments are not permitted to reject job applications of disabled people on the basis of their disability. Some types of large sized corporations, in fact have to give preference to disabled people during their selection processes. The law of the land has also made provisions to safeguard the interests of disable people within the organization. One of the common provisions is to revise the periodic, expected productivity. Some laws also make it mandatory for companies to appoint personnel, who assist disabled people within the premises of the office.

The laws that prevent the discrimination of disabled people in the workplace also explicitly state different guidelines that have to be followed by the companies, when it comes to appraisal of salary, promotions and separation or termination. Similarly, strict laws related to traveling on account of work, is also to be considered by the company. Tribunals and inspectors are, many a times, also appointed to audit establishments and ensure that these laws are being followed.

Initiatives by Companies
Many companies and corporations have given excellent response to laws that have been passed regarding discrimination against disabled people in the workplace. Many corporations have implemented infrastructural changes, appointed staff and specially trained dogs to assist disabled people. Many of these companies give a preference to the disabled people during recruitment. Special provisions have also been made by the companies regarding medical expenses and disability insurance. A special fund is also set aside for the disabled people, as a provision for their retirement. Read more on:

• Hostile Work Environment and Employment Discrimination
• Types of Employment Discrimination

One of the best examples of facilities that are provided by some companies for disabled people are special keyboards and computers at the workplace. In order to take care of their employees, many of these companies also provide the disabled people with chauffeured vehicle to assist them in commuting to the workplace. These companies and establishments do not consider the provision of these facilities as a service, they execute it as a duty. Most of these companies that take these initiatives, eradicate discrimination against disabled people in the workplace in the real sense.