Affiliations: Department of Rehabilitation Counseling at Virginia
Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA | Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at
VCU Medical Center, Richmond, VA, USA | TechAccess, Virginia, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Steven L. West, Ph.D., Department of
Rehabilitation Counseling, Virginia Commonwealth University, P. O. Box 980330,
Richmond, VA 23298-0330, USA. Tel.: +1 804 827 0921; Fax: +1 804 828 1321;
E-mail: slwest2@mail1.vcu.edu
Abstract: Using the Integrated Mission System of the Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission, the employment discrimination experience of Americans
with missing limbs is documented. Researchers compare and contrast the key
dimensions of workplace discrimination involving Americans with missing limbs
and persons with back and other non-paralytic orthopedic 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 persons with missing limbs were more likely
to encounter discrimination if they were male, under 20 or over 65 years of
age, and White or Native American. They were also more likely to encounter more
frequent discrimination when they worked for employers in the Southern United
States, those with 200 or fewer employers, or whose industry designation
involved manufacturing, construction, or transportation. Finally, the nature of
job discrimination experienced by Americans with missing limbs is more likely
to involve hiring, promotion, or job training than other issues. Implications
for policy and advocacy are addressed.
