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Discrimination is a sin against humanity. Ironically, our society
witnesses a myriad of incidents that clearly discriminate individuals.
Discrimination on the ground of disability, color, race, sex, marital
status is against civil rights. Discrimination is very apparent
in workplaces especially in case of disabled individuals. This is
more obvious in cases where an individual is discrimination for
physical disability. Disability discrimination at workplace may
include demoting or firing an employee without a reasonable clause.
The same may also be reflected in an employer's treatment to a disabled
individual in terms of hiring, promotion, job assignment, health
covers and certain other amenities.
As per the guidelines of disability discrimination act, an employer
does have the right of dismissing a disabled individual provided
he is incapable of performing an operation that another human being
can accomplish. However, at the same time it is indispensable that
the employer makes an effort to make changes in his working environment
so as to make the conditions suitable enough for the disabled individual
carry out his normal course of operation. The employer may also
seek advice of government agencies that provide disability equality
services.
Workplace adjustments include
• While interviewing a deaf individual, an employer should make
provision for an interpreter to help him communicate smoothly with
the interview panel.
• Modifying work premises; for example, making ramps, modifying
toilets, providing flashing lights to alert people with a hearing
loss
• Making small changes in work practices-for instance swapping some
duties among staff, regular meal breaks for a person with diabetes
It is a common perception that disability is only a physical phenomenon.
As per statistical data, every one out of six individual suffers
from mental disability. Mental disability often stems out of factors
like stress, anxiety and sleeping disorders and can be fatal to
employee's health and well being. In most cases, problems at home
or even issues at workplace may be its cause. An employer should
take these issues seriously and try to resolve the same in best
possible way. Disability Discrimination also includes within its
scope
• Making working conditions difficult for disabled individuals
and making the environment hostile.
• Making humiliating remarks on one's physical inability
The guidelines of Disability Discrimination Act, 1992 make it unlawful
for employers to discriminate a person on the basis of disability.
Relatives, friends of disabled individuals too are included within
this act. Since then the act has undergone modification and it has
been refined to serve the interest of persons suffering disability.
According to the guidelines of Disability Discrimination act, 2005
it is unlawful for an employer to discriminate employees on the
basis of disability. Apart from employers, the Disability Discrimination
Act applies on registered trade unions, employment agencies and
on bodies with control over profession so as to address more individuals
and eradicate discrimination at a faster pace.
Susan Austin is a faculty of a school meant for physically impaired
individuals. She is herself disabled likes to write on behalf of
disabled individuals. This article is an effort to bring forth issues
like disability
discrimination and to promote disability awareness, disability
equality training and disability access.
Article Source: EzineArticles.com:
Disability Discrimination in Workplace and Its Justification
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