Each year, July is recognized as Disability Pride Month — a time to celebrate diversity, promote visibility, and strengthen pride among the disability community. Disability Pride Month was established to commemorate the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990, prohibiting discrimination against disabled individuals. Despite these legal protections, people with disabilities often face physical and attitudinal barriers preventing them from fully participating in society. Disability Pride Month is a reminder to challenge these barriers and promote positive change.
Disability Pride Month is not only about reflection; it’s also about action. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), employers are responsible for ensuring that individuals with disabilities are treated fairly and given equal opportunities. Employers with 15 or more employees are prohibited from discriminating against people with disabilities. This responsibility ensures that disabled employees are not subjected to harassment due to their disability and prohibits retaliation against an individual for asserting their rights under the ADA.
How can employers ensure their employees are all supported?
Embed Accessibility in Recruitment: Make sure your recruitment process is accessible to all potential employees. Ensuring accessibility can include providing job postings in various formats, offering accommodations for interviews, and ensuring your company website is accessible.
Modify Working Arrangements: Flexible work schedules, remote work options, and modified duties can greatly assist employees with disabilities. It’s essential to converse with the individual to understand their specific needs.
Promote Inclusion in Team-Building Activities: Include disabled employees in team-building exercises and social events. Ensure these activities are accessible and inclusive to everyone.
Provide Necessary Tools and Equipment: Simple tools such as a braille keyboard or software that reads text aloud can make a huge difference. Providing the necessary equipment for disabled employees to perform their job effectively is not only a legal requirement but also boosts morale, engagement, and productivity.
