What Are Three Examples Of Disability Discrimination

What are three examples of disability discrimination that fall outside the usual picture of a current, visible condition?

Past disability. Someone is treated less favourably because of a condition they had years ago and no longer have, such as a period of mental illness disclosed in passing.

Imputed disability. Someone is treated less favourably because a decision-maker believes they have a disability, whether or not they do.

Association. Someone is treated less favourably because of the disability of a person they are associated with, such as a parent or a partner they care for.

All three of these are recognised, and all three commonly go unnoticed, because the person affected does not fit the assumption most people carry about who the law protects.

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 equal employment opportunity course and disability awareness training.