What Are Some Examples Of Disability Discrimination

What are some examples of disability discrimination involving conditions that are not visible? These are the ones organisations handle worst, because the assumptions built into a workplace are built around what people can see.

An employee with a chronic illness has flexibility questioned because they look well. Someone with a mental health condition is described as difficult rather than unwell. A person with a hearing impairment is thought inattentive in meetings. Someone with a learning disability is judged on speed rather than accuracy. An employee managing chronic pain has requests for equipment treated as preference.

Disability is defined broadly and includes conditions that are not apparent, are episodic, or fluctuate. A workplace that only recognises disability when it can see it will miss most of it.

The Australian Human Rights Commission publishes guidance. This is general information rather than legal advice, and obligations vary by state and territory.

See Sentrient’s disability awareness training and mental health and wellbeing course.