Discrimination Against People with Disability in the Workplace

Over the years, there has been a lot of talk and discussion about discrimination that people with disability face at their workplace. 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 change the callous and sometimes inconsiderate attitude towards persons with disability.

Discrimination against People with Disability

Discrimination of any sort, especially against individuals with disability 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. The provisions of these acts are basically put forth to prevent job discrimination against people with impairments or disability during the recruitment process, promotion, bonus, etc. It is also important to understand what disability discrimination means.

It can constitute to direct discrimination if any boss or manager cracks jokes or makes insensitive comments about a person's disability or treats that individual less favorably. Another form of discrimination involves victimizing the person with impairments because he/she took legal action against his/her boss/manager.

Provisions by the Law Against Disability Discrimination

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

When it comes to the recruitment process, companies and business establishments are not permitted to reject job applications on the basis of an applicant's disability. The law of the land has also made provisions to safeguard the interests of employees with disability within an 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 such employees within the premises of the office.

The laws that prevent the discrimination 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, at times, also appointed to audit establishments and ensure that these laws are being followed.

Many companies and corporations have responded to laws that have been passed regarding discrimination against people with disability in the workplace. Special provisions have also been made by the companies regarding medical expenses and disability insurance. A special fund is also set aside, as a provision for their retirement.

One of the best examples of facilities that are provided by some companies are special keyboards and computers at the workplace. In order to take care of their employees, many of these companies also provide employees with impairments 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. The companies that take these initiatives eradicate discrimination in the real sense.