Affiliations: Department of Rehabilitation Counseling, Virginia
Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Brian T. McMahon, Ph.D., Department
of Rehabilitation Counseling, Virginia Commonwealth University, P.O. Box
980330, Richmond, VA 23298-0330, USA. Tel.: +1 804 827 0917; Fax: +1 804 828
1321; E-mail: btmcmaho@hsc.vcu.edu
Abstract: As part of the National EEOC ADA Research Project, the employment
discrimination experience of Americans with cerebral palsy is examined.
Researchers compare and contrast the key dimensions of workplace discrimination
involving Americans with cerebral palsy and persons with other physical,
sensory, and neurological impairments. Specifically, the researchers examine
demographic characteristics of the charging parties; the industry designation,
location, and size of employers against whom complaints are filed; the nature
of discrimination (i.e., type of adverse action) alleged to occur; and the
legal outcome or resolution of these complaints. Findings indicate that more
allegations of discrimination were derived from persons with cerebral palsy if
they were male, less than 39 years of age, and Caucasian. More allegations of
discrimination were filed by persons with cerebral palsy when they worked for
an employer whose industry designation involved Retail or Services. Finally,
allegations involving persons with cerebral palsy were far more common when the
complaint involved discrimination directly related to hiring.
Keywords: Workplace discrimination, cerebral palsy, disability, Americans with Disabilities Act
