Ableism at Work: Disablement and Hierarchies of Impairment

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities promotes ability equality, but national laws treat workers with psychosocial disabilities less favorably than those with physical or sensory disabilities. Ableism at Work is a comprehensive and comparative legal, practical, and theoretical analysis of workplace inequalities experienced by workers with psychosocial disabilities. It reveals that regulatory interventions embed inequalities, such as denying anti-discrimination protection, failing to make reasonable accommodations, and denying workers compensation or occupational health and safety protections.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 23 June 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) aims to promote the equality of abilities, yet this principle is not fully reflected in national laws. Several countries, including Australia, Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the United States, share a common trend in their regulatory frameworks, which treat workers with psychosocial disabilities less favorably compared to those with physical or sensory disabilities. This phenomenon is known as ableism at work. Ableism at Work is a comprehensive and comparative legal, practical, and theoretical analysis of the workplace inequalities faced by workers with psychosocial disabilities. It encompasses various forms of discrimination, such as denying anti-discrimination protection to individuals with episodic disabilities, addictions, or other psychological impairments, failing to provide reasonable accommodations or adjustments for such workers, and denying them workers' compensation or occupational health and safety protections. Regulatory interventions, including these practices, perpetuate inequalities and contribute to the marginalization of workers with psychosocial disabilities. It is important to note that ableism, sanism, and prejudice are explicitly stated in laws, reflected in judicial decisions, and perpetuated through workplace practices. This book serves as a valuable resource for advocates, policy makers, and lawmakers to gain a deeper understanding of the broader context in which systems discriminate against workers with psychosocial disabilities. By addressing these issues, we can work towards creating more inclusive and equitable workplaces for all individuals, regardless of their abilities or circumstances.

ISBN-13: 9781108739771