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Article
Moving beyond misperceptions: The provision of workplace accomodations
Journal of Social Work in Disability and Rehabilitation (2009)
  • Katherine McDonald, Syracuse University
  • Brigida Hernandez
  • Nicole LePera
  • Monna Shahna
  • Arthur Wang
  • Joel M Levy
Abstract
This mixed-methods study examined the provision of workplace accommodations in the health care, hospitality, and retail sectors. First, focus groups with administrators from each sector revealed that accommodations costs were viewed as minimal (although frontline managers were perceived as having misperceptions). Second, the provision of accommodations as documented through human resources records for health care and hospitality indicated that accommodations were infrequent, not costly, and provided to employees with disabilities. Finally, retail employees (irrespective of disability status) reported many more accommodations than health care and hospitality workers. To dispel misperceptions related to accommodations, education is critical and social workers are well-positioned for this role.
Keywords
  • accommodations,
  • Americans with Disabilities Act,
  • disability,
  • employment,
  • mixed methods
Publication Date
2009
Citation Information
Katherine McDonald, Brigida Hernandez, Nicole LePera, Monna Shahna, et al.. "Moving beyond misperceptions: The provision of workplace accomodations" Journal of Social Work in Disability and Rehabilitation Vol. 8 Iss. 3-4 (2009)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/katherine_mcdonald/12/