Affiliations: Department of Rehabilitation Counseling, Virginia
Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Allen N. Lewis, Ph.D., VCU
Department of Rehabilitation Counseling, PO Box 980330, Richmond, VA 23298,
USA. Tel.: +1 804 827 0914; Fax: +1 804 828 1321; E-mail: anlewis@vcu.edu
Abstract: This study investigates the nature, scope, and dynamics of
employment discrimination among Americans with asthma using data from the US
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. When compared to a general disability
group, higher proportions of employment discrimination allegations filed by
persons with asthma involved females, African Americans, Native Americans, and
people between 22 and 29 years of age. Allegations of employment discrimination
were also greater for people with asthma for issues involving discipline,
harassment, reasonable accommodation, and suspension. Allegations involving
asthma were more likely to occur among large Respondents (employers) with
industry designations of finance/insurance/real estate, service, or public
administration. Charging parties within the asthma group had proportionately
fewer cases closed With Merit. Implications of these findings are offered
related to training, research, policy, and advocacy.
