Creating a Disability Policy for Your Workplace

Workplace discrimination based on age, sex, race, and religion violates several state and federal laws. Discrimination based on disabilities and impairments is just recently coming to light and now several areas of society have adopted a disability policy in an effort to provide persons with impairments equal rights and access to benefits. Given the laws on discrimination, it is essential that employers make strides in improving conditions for their disabled employees.

Why You Should Have a Disability Policy

Work place policies are a great way to address issues that are unclear or muddled. Policies are often found in employee handbooks that are reviewed upon hiring and are oftentimes a signed agreement between employee and employer. Examples of policies include dress code issues, clock in/clock out arrangements, as well as what behavior is tolerated and what behavior is not. Not every situation can be covered by work place policies but it is generally a good idea to have some policies written down. A disability policy is needed to addresses concerns of employment to those individuals covered in the Americans with Disability Act.

How to Make the Policy

Disability policies do not have to be overly complex. As with other policies you will first need to identify the issue and the need for such an action. Maybe there has been some harassment in the work place or you find that reasonable accommodations are not being met. Once you recognize that there is a need, write out any goals you wish to accomplish. You will want to check out state and federal laws concerning disabilities and the fair treatment of those persons to better write the policy. Make the language clear and simple to understand to eliminate any confusion. Remember: you cannot possibly predict every single situation so make the policy a little flexible.

Review the Policy

Once the policy is written you will want to have it reviewed by a lawyer. This is especially needed if the policy covers legally sensitive ground. Discrimination in the workplace is a very serious matter. With the help of a lawyer that is well versed in the laws regarding disability discrimination, you will be able to write a policy that is fair and easily understood. While you do not want the policy to read like a complicated contract, you do want it to cover areas regarding harassment, reasonable accommodations, and other necessary issues and concerns. Developing a disability policy might seem complicated but is necessary to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and equally.