People with Special Needs and Disabilities. Ch.8

Diversity in the work place includes those with disabilities. Managers, leaders and change agents in the workplace must be knowledgeable and sensitive to the issues and challenges faced by persons with disabilities. Discussing, recognizing, researching and accommodating the value, benefits and challenges faced by persons who have special needs enhances the workforce for all. Specific laws govern how employers ensure equality in the workforce for persons with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law in 1990 and amended in 2008. The ADA also makes it unlawful to discriminate against persons with a disability. Employers must meet certain obligations under the laws which include broad statements of acceptance and recognition. This chapter outlines the scope of the nation’s disability protection laws while also highlighting the issues and challenges facing workers with disabilities. Notable corporate and governmental policy efforts to recruit, mentor and maintain workers with disabilities are discussed along with the value and benefits of inclusion in the workforce. Proactive efforts are presented to identify key factors for the success of persons with disabilities in the workplace. The focus on progressive corporate and governmental policy efforts and strategies reinforce existing workable solutions for consistent employment opportunities for workers with disabilities