Understanding the Unseen: Invisible Disabilities in the Workplace

Ann Abney; Veronica Denison; Chris Tanguay; Michelle Ganz

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/114429 Copy

Description

Title

Understanding the Unseen: Invisible Disabilities in the Workplace

Author(s)

• Ann Abney
• Veronica Denison
• Chris Tanguay
• Michelle Ganz

Issue Date

2022-08

Keyword(s)

• Disability
• Accessibility
• Accommodation
• Mental illness
• Hard of hearing/Deaf
• Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)
• Disclosure
• Ally
• Managers
• Libraries

Abstract

Approximately 61 million (or 1 in 4) adults in the United States have a disability. Despite this prevalence, many people cannot name a coworker who is disabled, possibly due to the number of people who have invisible disabilities. This lack of understanding of both causes and prevalence can cause both the disabled and their supervisors or managers to be unaware of how to address a disabled person’s needs. In this article, the authors shed light on how to improve the professional environment for disabled archivists, staff, and patrons. People without disabilities or those with unrealized disabilities can all benefit when universal design is considered. The best way to achieve inclusivity is to encourage all employees to model the behavior you want to see in others and to normalize disabilities and accommodations. In an environment where accommodations for everyone are normalized, many of the micro- or macro-aggressions may be eliminated from the workplace, as it can help remove the stigma surrounding disability. Everyone wants to work in a supportive environment where they feel respected.

Publisher

American Archivist

Type of Resource

text

Language

en

Handle URL

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/114429

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