Page 642 - Business Principles and Management

Chapter 23 • Managing Human Resources

Focus On...

Social Responsibility–Increasing Employment
Opportunities through the ADA

Many companies search to fill increasingly technical and complex jobs
with qualified applicants. Some employment divisions report screen-
ing hundreds of applications to find one person who meets the neces-
sary job requirements. At the same time, businesses have overlooked
millions of Americans who have the necessary job qualifications for
many jobs. Why? They have disabilities that many employers mistak-
enly believe will prevent them from performing job duties effectively.
Because of the widespread misunderstanding, stereotypes, and
discrimination faced by disabled Americans in the workplace, a law
to correct the discrimination was enacted in 1990. The Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits employment discrimination against
individuals with physical and mental handicaps or chronic illnesses if
they are able to perform the basic functions of the job. Under ADA,
employers must provide the opportunity for all disabled applicants
who are otherwise qualified to compete for available jobs. A qualified
applicant is a person who has the required education and experience
and can perform the work if the employer provides “reasonable
accommodation.”
Providing reasonable accommodation means making facilities,
equipment, procedures, and activities accessible and usable; restructur-
ing jobs and work tasks when possible; and providing access to the same
benefits and privileges available to other employees. The word reason-
able is used to ensure that employers do not have to make changes that
result in a severe financial hardship for the business or that alter the job
so that required work cannot be completed. Studies done in businesses
in preparation for implementing the ADA found that, with careful plan-
ning, many accommodations for disabled employees could be accom-
plished at no additional cost. Other changes could be made at relatively
low cost by implementing creative solutions. Although some organiza-
tions are concerned about the impact and cost of complying with the
Americans with Disabilities Act, many others have found that it has
encouraged them to consider a group of productive employees they
had previously ignored.

Think Critically

1. Why do you believe it was necessary for the federal govern-
ment to pass the ADA legislation?
2. If you were a businessperson, how would you respond to the
ADA requirements?
3. Using your school as an example, in what ways have the facil-
ities, equipment, and materials been modified to meet the
needs of disabled students, faculty, and staff? Are there areas
in the school where you believe other reasonable accommo-
dations can be made?

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