Disability Awareness: Why It Matters

People with disabilities make up the largest minority group in the United States. These numbers are growing as the population gets older and chronic disease becomes more common. Despite this, there are plenty of misconceptions surrounding the topic.

As we celebrate the 32nd anniversary (July 26, 2022) of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), we want to shed light on the law and how it impacts you, your co-workers and our patients. The ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and ensures equal opportunity in many settings. It affects employment, state and local government, public accommodations and telecommunications.

You may think of a disability as someone experiencing visible physical limitations. In reality, the ADA defines a person with a disability as someone who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity. This includes a variety of conditions, such as:

• Learning differences
• Chronic pain
• Sleep disorders
• Mental illness
• Vision or hearing impairment
• Physical differences

Disabilities can be visible or hidden. Hidden does not mean that a person will never show symptoms of their disability; instead, it describes the way we see others. You may not be able to tell that someone has a disability just by looking at them.

Both visible and hidden disabilities present unique challenges. Someone with a visible disability might feel judged or underestimated. On the other hand, someone with a hidden disability might have trouble getting the help they need.

Ask for Help

For many people with a disability, each day is different. The tasks that someone can do might change over time. As a result, they may need new or different accommodations. Employees with disabilities can request necessary accommodations through their manager, Human Resources or Employee Health. Requests are then referred to a team that reviews the requests and makes recommendations for accommodation, while keeping the employee’s medical information confidential.

Learn More

We have come a long way since the ADA was passed 32 years ago. However, people with disabilities still face obstacles. By sharing stories and education, we can increase disability awareness in our organization and community.

We are all different, and we each bring something special to the table. To learn more, check out these resources:

• What Is the Americans with Disabilities Act?
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 (Wikipedia)
• ADA Anniversary
• Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine Diversity Website

If you have questions, contact the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion:

• Dr. NL Bishop - nlbishop@carilionclinic.org
• Briana Apgar - blapgar@carilionclinic.org