Physical Disabilities

People with physical disabilities are a part of a diverse workplace culture, yet they are often overlooked. For example, it is extremely rare to see a person who is wheelchair-bound portrayed as a highly successful business person. This mirrors society’s view of people with disabilities—they often are forgotten or not seen as an important part of the workplace. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed in 1990 to guarantee civil rights to those with physical disabilities. In terms of obtaining equal rights, this minority group is fairly new to inclusion. Although more than 20 years have gone by since this act was passed, many organizations have not made a great deal of progress in incorporating individuals with physical disabilities into the workplace. According to recent research, companies are missing an opportunity to obtain high-caliber talent as well as engage nondisabled employees.