The presentation provides employees with disabilities the knowledge and tools to understand their workplace rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It explains the voluntary nature of disability disclosure, the legal protections afforded, and the best practices for deciding when and how to disclose. The ADA’s employment protections are introduced, particularly Title I, which prohibits discrimination and mandates reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.
Practical guidance is given on how to request accommodations effectively, including documentation, communication strategies, and examples of reasonable adjustments. The concept of “undue hardship” is discussed through real-world scenarios to illustrate when accommodations may be considered unreasonable.
The presentation also covers workplace discrimination and harassment, outlining what qualifies as each and what steps employees should take to report and address issues. Multiple resources are provided, including federal, state, and local contacts (EEOC, Maryland Commission on Civil Rights, Disability Rights Maryland, Legal Aid, and Anne Arundel County ADA Office). The session emphasizes self-advocacy, professional communication, and awareness of legal protections to foster a fair and inclusive work environment.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:
- Understand Disability Disclosure
- Identify Workplace Rights Under the ADA
- Request and Implement Accommodations
- Recognize and Respond to Discrimination and Harassment
- Access Resources and Support
