Discrimination

Definition

Discrimination refers to the unjust or prejudicial treatment of individuals based on characteristics such as race, gender, age, or disability. It often manifests in various settings, including employment, education, and public accommodations, where individuals are denied equal opportunities and rights. In the context of disability rights, discrimination specifically targets individuals with disabilities, restricting their access to resources and services that are available to others.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was enacted in 1990 to prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities in various areas, including employment and public services.
2. Discrimination can take many forms, including direct discrimination (overtly treating someone unfairly) and indirect discrimination (policies that appear neutral but disproportionately affect individuals with disabilities).
3. Under the ADA, employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the business.
4. Discrimination can result in significant negative outcomes for individuals with disabilities, including lower employment rates, reduced income levels, and limited access to education and community activities.
5. Public entities and places must comply with ADA regulations to ensure that facilities are accessible to individuals with disabilities, which includes physical access as well as effective communication.

Review Questions

• How does the ADA address discrimination against individuals with disabilities in the workplace?
  • The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) specifically addresses workplace discrimination by requiring employers to provide equal employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. This includes prohibiting discriminatory hiring practices and ensuring that employees are not treated unfairly because of their disability. Additionally, the ADA mandates that employers make reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities unless it would cause significant difficulty or expense for the employer.
• What are some examples of both direct and indirect discrimination faced by individuals with disabilities in society?
  • Direct discrimination might include a situation where a qualified individual is passed over for a job solely because they have a disability. Indirect discrimination could manifest through policies that require all employees to complete tasks that are not feasible for some individuals with specific disabilities without providing necessary adjustments. Both forms restrict access and opportunities for people with disabilities, highlighting the importance of understanding these nuances in combating discrimination.
• Evaluate the impact of discrimination on individuals with disabilities and discuss how legislative measures like the ADA have aimed to mitigate these effects.
  • Discrimination significantly impacts individuals with disabilities by limiting their access to employment, education, and public services, leading to social isolation and economic disadvantage. Legislative measures such as the ADA have aimed to combat these effects by establishing clear legal protections against discrimination and requiring reasonable accommodations in various settings. While progress has been made due to these laws, ongoing advocacy is necessary to ensure compliance and promote a more inclusive society that fully recognizes the rights of individuals with disabilities.

Related terms

Accessibility: The design of products, devices, services, or environments to be usable by people with disabilities.

Inclusion: The practice of ensuring that individuals of all backgrounds, abilities, and identities are welcomed and actively participating in a community or environment.

Reasonable Accommodation: Modifications or adjustments made to enable individuals with disabilities to have equal access to opportunities and resources.