| Citation: |
Lowman, D.K., West, S.L., McMahon, B.T. (2005). Workplace discrimination and Americans with cerebral palsy: The national EEOC ADA research project.
Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 23
(3),
171-177.
|
| Title: |
Workplace discrimination and Americans with cerebral palsy: The national EEOC ADA research project |
| Authors: |
Lowman, D.K., West, S.L., McMahon, B.T. |
| Year: |
2005 |
|
Journal/Publication:
|
Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation |
| Publisher: |
IOS Press |
| Full text: |
https://content.iospress.com/download/journal-of-vocational-rehabil...
|
| Peer-reviewed? |
Yes
|
| NIDILRR-funded? |
Yes
|
|
Research design:
|
Database mining
|
| Background: |
Cerebral palsy (CP) is primarily thought of as a pediatric condition thus literature on transitioning to adulthood and finding employment as an adult is limited. Advances in medical care and assistive technology have enhanced the prospects of adults with CP being employed and living independently. Despite this the employment rate for individuals with disabilities (including CP) has remained dismally low. Both the individuals and the employers report different barriers to employment. The experiences of individuals with CP in the workplace and trying to find employment can be examined through Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) discrimination allegations. |
|
Purpose:
|
The purpose of this study was to examine the discrimination experience of individuals with CP. |
|
Study sample: |
The study sample consisted of allegations of discrimination in the EEOC database. The study examined cases from July 1992 to September 2003 and included 1,392 allegations of discrimination involving CP (CPFILES) along with 173,218 allegations of discrimination involving disabilities other than CP (GENDIS). |
|
Data collection and analysis:
|
Data was extracted from the EEOC database and tests of sample proportions were used to compare data from the CPFILES and GENDIS groups. The researchers examined demographics of the charging parties, type of industry being charged, nature of discrimination, and the resolution of the complaint. |
|
Findings:
|
More allegations from individuals with CP occurred when participants were male, under age 39, and Caucasian. Businesses in retail and service saw more allegations of discrimination from individuals with CP. Allegations related to hiring were more common among individuals with CP. |
|
Conclusions:
|
This study is limited by the small size of the target group. As the database continues to grow it will prudent to re-examine this issue in the future. |
