Orange County California Disability Discrimination Lawyer

Interacting with Differences: Coworkers with Disabilities

With fears over facing discrimination litigation rising due to increased scrutiny of how minority groups are treated in the workplace, it is often overemphasized how we should communicate with different types of people. All the sensitivity training may actually lead to some desensitizing of human interaction. Instead of concentrating so much on what to say to a co-worker who is Black, Latino, Gay, disabled, or of a different gender or sexual orientation, focus on speaking to them as a person and not a difference.

In the case of employees and co-workers with disabilities, it is important to address the person and not the disability. Providing assistance when needed it is appropriate, but never assume that someone wants or needs it. If you have built a relationship with a co-worker and are curious about their condition, it is polite to first ask the person with the disability if they are comfortable with discussing it. A simple “Do you mind if I ask you about being blind?” can help avoid an uncomfortable and inappropriate conversation.

Obviously, there are some things that are offensive, even if your intentions are good. If you question the appropriateness of what you are about to say, chances are you are better off not saying it. Speaking slowly or loudly to a co-worker with a physical disability is offensive because it assumes that their physical impairment is also a mental one. Being in a wheelchair is not a reflection of an individual’s intelligence.

If you feel that you have been a victim of workplace discrimination based on your physical disability, contact Orange County disability discrimination lawyer Perry Smith at 888-356-2529 to discuss your case and your legal options.