Disability Discrimination Claims Skyrocketing Says EEOC

From Murcury News (1.11.11):

Job bias claims set new record on disability surge
By SAM HANANEL

Federal job bias complaints climbed to record levels last year, led by a surge in workers claiming discrimination based on disability.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission says charges of disability discrimination rose by about 17 percent to 25,165 claims. Overall, the agency received nearly 100,000 claims during the 2010 fiscal year, a 7 percent increase and the highest number in its 45-year history...

...The unemployment rate for disabled workers is 14.3 percent, compared with 8.9 percent for persons with no disability, according to the most recent Labor Department figures. That disparity could be another reason for the high number of disability bias charges, said Robin Shaffert, senior director of corporate social responsibility for the American Association of People with Disabilities...

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Comments

[Bob Ardnger]

Here's an example of the decline and bias towards persons with disabilities in the Federal Government:

HUD has had a number of opportunities to hire a persons with disabilities but are currently batting zero. The position of the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity had a very qualified person with a disability apply. She was not selected.

Dave Williamson recently retired from HUD. In his farewell email he again spoke to the need of bringing persons with disabilities into the federal job force. Dave did more for increasing employment opportunities at HUD than any other executive.

Reasnonable accommodation is culturally viewed as an extra benefit rather than a right.

[Mary Jane Brelin]

The discriminatory actions not only occur on a federal level, but they also exist in states. I am from the state of Virginia, and the state Department of Rehabilitative Services, who claim to support persons with disabilities in a job setting, engage in discriminatory behavior. DRS allows "non-profits" receiving state funding to engage in intimidation and bullying to edge out and discourage a disabled worker. I have first-hand knowledge of such discrimination, including issues of accommodation. The constant harassment and lack of support from my superiors made the work environment a detriment. I spent 4 years as an employee, including 6 months of volunteer work, for this agency. I spent money from my own paycheck to support the program because of its lack of resources with no complaints. Many of my personal contacts gave donations to also help. Being a person with a disability, I tried to model being an independent person, giving hope to persons in similar situations. EEOC was not effective in protecting me from this severe discrimination.

[Phillip Perini]

To AAPD & friends : I live in the state of NC , county of BURKE , 28655 is my zip code. I have experienced all forms of discrimination here in this county , and by the neighbors I live amongst in my neighborhood , and feel as if my civil rights are being ignored by the county manager , as well as the local sheriffs department. I need help , with finding outside authorities , outside of Burke county to help me with these situations.

[Elisabeth Ellenbogen]

Usually I do not favor creating a new category of crimes that can be prosecuted.

Yet I believe Disability discrimination and outright harrassment cause grave harm and should be brought to criminal indictment and trial under hate crimes laws!

People who perceive "having some fun with the crip" an acceptable amusement may find a more worthy hobby.

[Big Ron]

The ADA ought to be printed on toilet paper. Then it would be good for something.